Simona Halep has been crowned the year-end world number one for the second time in a row. The Romanian had her first taste of slam victory this year at the French open. Simona Halep retired from the China Open and later announced that she had a herniated disk. This has forced her to withdraw from the Kremlin Cup in Moscow. She announced her withdrawal from the tournament earlier today.

“I tried everything I could to be ready here as I really wanted to play but unfortunately the back is still causing me pain and I don’t want to take any risks,” she said. “While it’s disappointing to withdraw, I know it’s important to put my health first. I’ve had a few wonderful days in Moscow and wish the tournament every success”,- this was the statement issued by the Roland Garros Champion.

Nevertheless she is happy to have captured the cherry on the cake at the end of the year. “I feel like I’ve played a good level of tennis, and I was consistent, very consistent and very strong, mentally and physically “, said Simona Halep.

“Finishing the season as the WTA World No.1 last year was a huge honor for me,” Halep said. “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”, added the world number one.

As it stands these are the current top eight in the singles division of WTA rankings.

1. Simona Halep (ROM) 7421 points

2. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6461 points

3. Angelique Kerber (GER) 5400 points

4. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 4740 points

5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 4465 (+1) points

6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4350 (-1) points

7. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4255 points

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4022 points