Simona Halep says she really wants to be world number one after Sunday's Cincinnati Masters final.

Halep produced a dominant performance on Saturday when defeating American 24-year-old Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-1 at the last-four stage and the Romanian moved a step closer to the number one ranking position.

The 25-year-old, who lost to Johanna Konta in the Wimbledon quarter-finals this year, will go up against reigning All England Club champion Garbine Muguruza in Sunday's final after the Spaniard eased past top seed Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-2.

Victory for the Constanta-born ace would ensure she is named the new world number one on Monday morning and that is providing an extra incentive going into the Cincinnati spectacle.

"I think it's something special to get number one in the world," Halep was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "Everyone can get to number one now. The ranking is close. I really want that."

In the men's side of the draw, Australian Nick Kyrgios advanced into the final after beating Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) while Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov advanced against John Isner 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (12-10).

The controversial 22-year-old from Down Under was happy at being able to grind out the win despite not producing the kind of tennis that knocked Rafael Nadal out in the quarter-finals.

"He was a nightmare to play, especially because I'm a tall guy and he's not the tallest guy," Kyrgios said. "In the tie-breaks I served well, but I definitely didn't bring my best tennis.

"I'm just really proud that I managed to scrap out the win."