For the best part of a decade Simona Halep has been one of the most entertaining and consistent performers on the WTA Tour.
The two-time Grand Slam champion is renowned for her fighting capabilities, but competing week in week out at the very pinnacle of the sport can takes its toll.
Halep endured a 2021 season stalled by calf and knee injuries, pushing the Romanian outside the Top 10 for the first time since 2014.
Mentally and physically drained, the former world No.1 has since recharged and returned to the Tour infused with positivity and targeting a return to the summit.
“I was there for many years. In the end last year, I felt exhausted with all the injuries and all the pressure I’ve had. That’s why I said maybe it’s a good point to be out of the Top 10 and to have this challenge again,” Halep said in an exclusive interview with The AO Show podcast.
“I see it positively, I see it with confidence, I think it’s possible to get back there, but I know at the same time it’s going to be very difficult. A lot of work, a lot of matches to win. For sure there is a chance if I am professional and do what I have to do.”
The Romanian, back for a 12th consecutive Australian Open showing, was delighted with a “beautiful week” to take the Melbourne Summer Set 1 title earlier this month.
A 23rd professional title proved Halep is finding her feet just at the right time and is in a carefree headspace.
READ MORE: Halep, Anisimova crowned champions at Melbourne Summer Set
“It’s beautiful to still be able to play at 30. When I was little I said at 26, 27 I would be done, but here I am, I’m 30,” continued the current world No.15.
“I feel like I’ve done everything that I wished as a kid… I don’t put pressure on myself about the results. Now I’ve started to see tennis a little more relaxed, to enjoy the moments here and to enjoy the time on court. I’m very happy to be back here.”
Halep’s run to the Australian Open 2018 final was a significant fortnight in building her champion’s mentality and completely captivated a global audience.
Down three match points to Lauren Davis, Halep escaped 15-13 in the final set to book her ticket to the second week.
Her semifinal blockbuster against 2016 champion Angelique Kerber was dubbed the WTA’s ‘Grand Slam match of the season,’ with both players saving match points in a compelling 6-3 4-6 9-7 tussle.
Milestone ?#AO2022 will mark the 100th anniversary of women’s singles competition at the year’s first major tournament.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 31, 2021
To celebrate, we look back at some of our most scintillating #AusOpen women’s semifinals ?
“That tournament, playing the final, gave me the confidence that the next one would be mine, that one day I’d be lifting big trophies. I had that feeling very strong in myself and it happened,” admitted the 30-year-old, who won the very next major tournament at Roland Garros in 2018.
“This tournament will stay forever in my heart because I had my longest matches ever and I won them. It’s pretty special to be back here with those memories.”
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