The Romanian has come into the New York Major on the back of an injury-stricken year. A tear in her calf muscle kept her away for close to three months, before a recent injury to the adductor forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati event.
In her post-match press conference, Simona Halep gave an update on her injuries and how she’s been feeling physically. She revealed there is no pain anymore and that she is feeling better with every passing day.
Initially slated to play on Court 17, Simona Halep was shifted to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the last minute since Naomi Osaka’s second-round opponent withdrew. Halep admitted to feeling the pressure of playing in the famous stadium, but claimed she was confident enough to get her game in fine shape once she took to the court.
The World No. 13 was also asked to comment on her third-round matchup against 19th seed Elena Rybakina. In reply, Halep recalled her intense three-set victory over the Kazakh in the Dubai final last year.
The Romanian admitted that facing Rybakina would be a challenge, but she believes she has a chance:
“Hopefully one of us can win a hardcourt Slam” - Simona Halep on Ashleigh Barty, Garbine Muguruza and herself
Simona Halep was also asked if she has an explanation for why she and two of her peers - Ashleigh Barty and Garbine Muguruza - have been unable to win a hardcourt Slam. All three of them have won a Major on each of the natural surfaces (clay and grass), but have repeatedly come up short at the Australian Open and US Open.
The Romanian replied that all three have different playing styles, before claiming it’s “probably a matter of time” before one of them wins a hardcourt Slam.
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