Simona Halep has decided to rely on Patrick Mouratoglou to return to being the protagonist in the WTA Tour. The former world number one has not achieved the results she had hoped for in recent months and she hopes to be able to change pace under the guidance of the experienced French coach.
In the first two tournaments played on clay,Ā the Mutua Madrid Open and the Italian Open, Halep was eliminated respectively in the quarter-finals and in the round of 32. To oust her from the Spanish event was Ons Jabeur, who later won the tournament; while in Rome Danielle Collins thought about stopping her path.
The Romanian’s goal is to present herself in the best possible conditions at Roland Garros, the Grand Slam she won in 2018. In the Eurosport Players’ Voice column, Halep explained:
“I feel invigorated; I feel more confident; I feel healthy. Finally! Now I have no problems, I have no injuries. I am very happy to be back on the pitch and I can’t wait to play every game because I want to keep improving. Roland Garros is my favorite tournament and I always feel good when I go there.
It will be a little different because I didn’t play last year, so we’ll see. I need more time to regain confidence and more games. So I hope to be able to continue to find the form before going there and to be able to enjoy the tournament because it is the best for me. I will always have a great memory of my Roland Garros title in 2018.”
Halep on Barty’s retirement
The Romanian then went back to talking about Ashleigh Barty’s sudden retirement.” Of course I was shocked by the news of the retirement of Ash Barty, who was the best player in the world and he was winning it all.
I don’t want to compare retirement plans in general because we have different lives. Her results were superior to what I had achieved at that age, so I can’t compare. I didn’t expect her to quit, but now that she has, it means she’s clearly happy with her decision.
IĀ wishĀ her all the best, and she has been very strong making this decision so quickly. Everyone has to decide for themselves and I understand that. ”