Last Updated on January 6, 2022
Simona Halep’s last two seasons have been conditioned by a series of injuries that have prevented her from playing some of the most important tournaments on the WTA Tour. Just think that only this year, the former world number one has been forced to skip two Slams out of four (Roland Garros and Wimbledon, ed) and to see her preparation for the US Open partially compromised.
The Romanian returned to the court at the National Bank Open at the beginning of August after a three-month break. At Flushing Meadows, Halep still found a way to overcome players of the caliber of Camila Giorgi and Elena Rybakina, before surrendering in the round of 16 against one of the best versions of Elina Svitolina.
“Last year was very hard and probably the hardest year of my career, but now I’m glad to be back in Australia. I really have a warm feeling for this place, so today’s win means a lot to me.
I think [the pause due to injury] allowed me to get some rest – I’ve been in the top for years, and the pressure was really high. I felt incredibly exhausted.”,-said Halep.
Start Of A New Season
The year 2022 began for Halep in Melbourne, where she has already reached the quarterfinals at one of the first WTA 250 tournaments of the new season. The No. 2 seed defeated Elena Gabriela Ruse in the second round of the WTA Melbourne with a score of 6/2,6/1.
A Romanian clash goes the way of the No.2 seed 🇷🇴@Simona_Halep | #MelbourneTennis pic.twitter.com/DiUR3ZbFTg
— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2022
“I’m very happy that I was able to win this match this way. The beginning was a little different, I didn’t feel the ball very well, but gradually I got into the game and I think I dominated.
I’m very satisfied with my game. I worked hard in the off-season, so I feel like I’m ready for matches. In fact, I really missed the official matches, so I’m here and I try to give my best every time,” Halep said after the match.
A Worthy Opponent in the Quarterfinals
In the quarterfinals, Halep will meet Victoria Golubic. The Romanian tennis player already faced the Swiss in 2018 at the Billie Jean King Cup, then Simona managed to win in three sets.
“Everyone plays well at this level. I’m just concentrating on myself, just like in these two matches. I’m playing well and I’m confident, but it’s a new match. I just try to have fun and show my best tennis, because then I will have a chance to win,” Halep added.
