Simona Halep: “It was difficult to continue because I twist my ankle and was very hard” - UBITENNIS

Simona Halep: “It was difficult to continue because I twist my ankle and was very hard”

By Staff
6 Min Read

TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 3rd of July. E. Bouchard d. S. Halep 7-6, 6-2. An interview with Simona Halep

Q. How did you feel you played? When you were a bit injured at the beginning of the first set, how was your condition during the match?

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, it was difficult to continue because I twist my ankle and was very hard. I felt a big pain in the moment, but then was better with the tape.

But still I couldn’t push anymore in my leg. My first serve was really bad after that. Yeah, it was difficult to continue with another injury.

 

Q. Was there a prior injury or it happened during the point?

SIMONA HALEP: No, during the point. I didn’t have before, yeah.

 

Q. How much did the distraction in the tiebreak in the first set put you off your game?

SIMONA HALEP: It was okay. I understood the moment, that moment, because can happen. I just wanted to stay focused.

I served really well at 3-2, but then was a lucky ball I think she hit with the net. She came back really well. She played well.

So I think was important moment at that point. Then I lost a little bit my concentration.

 

Q. With the net cord and the ankle, did you think it wasn’t going to be your day? Is it hard not to think like that?

SIMONA HALEP: Is it hard, yeah, to stay focused, to play every point, because you are a little bit afraid after injury. But, you know, sometimes doesn’t matter the injury or everything, just to play the match.

I think I played till the end, but in second set I lost my energy and I couldn’t believe anymore that I can finish the match in the right way for me.

So maybe next time I will do better and I will stay more focused till the end.

 

Q. I know you had a problem with the ankle, but can you explain why you feel you lost your energy in that second set?

SIMONA HALEP: As I said, in tiebreak was a lucky ball at 4-2 and she came really well back after that.

After losing a set, it’s really tough to say, Let’s play two more to win with two injuries, I can say.

I lost my energy because I am a little bit tired also. I played many matches. After French Open was really short the time to recover. But, you know, I’m really happy that I could play semifinal here. Is my best result in Wimbledon.

I cannot be sad now. I just want to enjoy this result and to look forward to play many more matches at the Grand Slams.

 

Q. What will you take away from this tournament and what are your goals for the rest of the year?

SIMONA HALEP: After this tournament I can say that I have more confidence in myself that I can play also on grass good tennis. I feel good. I am happy.

So next week I have tournament home. I can’t wait to go there because I will enjoy for sure with my fans, with my friends.

After that I will go in USA. It will be tough another half of year. Just to enjoy every tournament and to take care of myself because I am a little bit tired now.

 

Q. You said you had two injuries. What was the second one? You had tape on the leg.

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, muscle pain. I had during the practice before third round, yeah. Just was contracted at the moment. But now I just feel a little bit. Is not dangerous but is still there. If you have something, it’s bothering you always.

 

Q. You said you think she could be at the top very soon. Why do you think that?

SIMONA HALEP: Because she has a good tennis and she hits very strong. She serves also very well.

She has the game to be there, I think.

 

Q. Will you have a break after Bucharest?

SIMONA HALEP: Yes. I will go on a holiday.

 

Q. Where are you going to go?

SIMONA HALEP: No, I don’t tell you (smiling).

 

Q. Beach or…

SIMONA HALEP: Yes, beach.

Leave a comment