Halep remains on top of WTA rankings for 2nd straight year

Paris: Simona Halep has secured the year-end number one ranking in the WTA standings for the second straight year, becoming the 13th WTA player since the inception of computer rankings in 1975 to do so.

The Romanian spent 40 weeks at No. 1 in 2018, a season that saw her win three titles from a tour-leading six final appearances, amassing a 46-11 win-loss record.

This year Halep has won the Shenzhen Open, the Rogers Cup and her debut Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros. "Finishing the season as the WTA World No.1 last year was a huge honour for me," said Halep.

"To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year. To be able to see my name again alongside the other legends who have achieved the year-end No.1 ranking makes me very proud."

Halep is followed by Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki who is at second place. Angelique Kerber of Germany remained in third place, ahead of Japan's Naomi Osaka, reports Efe news. The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth, while Elina Svitolina of Ukraine fell to sixth.

Further down the rankings, France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday.