Venus Williams' 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Simona Halep in Tokyo was her third consecutive victory, marking the first time since April she's won three matches in a row.
Williams, who has beaten No. 34 Mona Barthel, No. 2 Victoria Azarenka, and No. 18 Halep, has been struggling with back issues since the early spring, but says she is finally feeling better.
“I can’t believe I get to play four in a row, nothing like being out there and playing matches and being in situations, it’s invaluable,” Venus said in a TV interview. “My back is lot better. I don't worry about as much.”