Simona Halep was eliminated in the round of 16 at the Australian Open after 4-6, 6-3, 4-6 with Alizee Cornet, but admits that although she is satisfied with her game, there was one detail that prevented her from lasting longer much.
Simona Halep claims that the strong sun “knocked her down” at the Australian Open
“It was quite difficult with the sun. If there was no sun, maybe I would have lasted longer, but I simply collapsed” , said Halep, upon returning to the country.
Simona Halep started 2022 with a trophy. He won in Melbourne , and then reached the eighth at the Australian Open. The Romanian really wanted the trophy, which would have meant the third Grand Slam of her career. He also played a final at the Australian Open in 2018.
“I’m ok with the way we played, the way this trip went. Of course I’m upset with the way this last game went. From what I’ve read, we had more points won, but you also lose some more.
I can’t blame myself for anything, it was a difficult 2021 and I’m glad that 2020 is already looking better. I don’t know if there is anything totally changed compared to last year.
Physically, I think I’m better than last year and I still have a lot to improve, I’m not at the level I want and I still have to improve and it will take me some time to get there” , said Halep.
Simona Halep will participate in the Dubai and Doha tournaments
Halep (30 years old) has the Dubai and Doha tournaments coming up, but she also has a wish.
“I will play in Dubai and Doha. That’s how I played almost all the years, when I was healthy: Dubai, Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston, I would like to play, for the first time, before I retire.
I wanted to try (no: to play in Charleston, after coming from Miami), the green clay is faster than the red clay and I think it won’t be that hard to adapt. It depends on what I’m doing in Miami.
If I finish in the first week – I hope not – I’ll have time to play on clay, but if not, that’s ok. I feel very good and I trust that it will be an ok year, but I have no expectations for the result, but to play well, to feel good, because I have reached an age where I no longer feel the pressure of results” , stated Halep.
