Summary The French Open finalist also impressed in her opening 6-2, 6-3 win over Eugenie Bouchard.
SINGAPORE (AFP) - Simona Halep said Wednesday her lopsided victory over American superstar Serena Williams had given her huge confidence as she eyes a spot in the WTA Finals last four.
The Romanian debutante said she had not even dreamt of such an upset after she won 6-0, 6-2 in Singapore, handing the 18-time Grand Slam-winner her heaviest defeat since 1998.
"No, I didn t," she said, when asked if she had ever imagined such a big victory against Williams, the world number one and two-time defending champion.
"But, you know, I think it wasn t her best day today. She missed a few important balls in the first set.
"But I think the second set was closer. I was very, very focused every point. I just wanted to fight for every point and to be focused for every point."
The French Open finalist also impressed in her opening 6-2, 6-3 win over Eugenie Bouchard at the eight-player season finale, and said she was now confident about reaching the semi-finals on Saturday.
"I can say I have confidence that I can go into the semi-finals. I have a chance now," said the 23-year-old world number four, calling it the best win of her career.
"I just want to think about next round, because will be tough against Ivanovic. First I have to forget this day, because it s really tough to forget it."
Halep s final group game is against Ana Ivanovic. While Williams and Maria Sharapova are the only two players to win the elite event on debut, Halep said Wednesday s victory felt like a breakthrough.
"It s the first time I ve beaten Serena. She s number one. It s like a dream to beat one of the (Williams) sisters because they were -- they are -- very good players," she said.
"For my mind it s very important, this victory."
