Linz Open: Simona Halep withdraws, Danielle Collins retires in semi-finals

Linz, Austria: Two-time Grand Slam title winner Simona Halep withdrew from her WTA Linz semi-final with a knee injury on Thursday while Danielle Collins retired after one set of her last-four clash. As a result, Alison Riske of the United States will face Romanian lucky loser Jaqueline Cristian, ranked 100, in Friday’s final. Second seed Halep suffered a left knee injury in her quarter-final victory on Wednesday over Jasmine Paolini. “Unfortunately I am not able to play in my semi-final this evening after injuring my knee in my match yesterday,” Halep said in a statement. “I would do anything to be able to play, but it is swollen and painful and playing will only make it worse.” In the other semi-final, Collins dropped the first set to American compatriot Riske before retiring with an injured right shoulder.