Simona Halep’s troublesome start to 2016 has sparked a fresh round of criticism from her first ever coach.
The Romanian has only been able to win two matches on the WTA Tour this year (both in Brisbane). At the start of the year Halep was troubled by ongoing injury concerns with her Achilles along with illness. Since recovering from those issues, Halep has lost in her first match at three consecutive tournaments (Australian Open, Dubai and Doha). The recent disappointments mean that she will fall down to fifth in next week’s rankings.
The recent performance by Halep has been sharply attacked by her first coach, Ioan Stan. During an interview with Romanian website Gazeta Sporturilor, Stan has sensationally accused Halep of being too concerned with her personal life.
“It all suggests that she wants to do other things besides tennis. She wants to marry and have children, or so I heard that said. These are concerns normal at her age, but this could push her career down for a while, and I think that Simona has a lot to show on the court”. He told gsp.ro.
“Unfortunately, the last two of my predictions came true. I’m very sorry for Simona. You should find a means to get on your feet quickly. I cannot explain why she has reached this. I do not know how she managed to get into this black hole and do not know how and if she will come out”. He concluded.
Stan also gave his own opinion on Halep’s recent loss to Elena Vesnina in Dubai. The Romanian was leading 7-6(1), 4-1 before she unexpectedly lost the match in three sets. Halep was broke in six out of her last seven service games during the match.
“I watched carefully her match in Doha against Vesnina. It is inadmissible for Simona to be defeated this way. She simply did not play the last points. She stood in the reception never interested in a result.” He said.
“It comes across very bad.”
Last year Halep claimed three titles on the tour. One of her triumphs occurred at the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells, which will get underway in two weeks time. The 24-year-old needs to put in a strong run at the event to avoid slipping further down the rankings.
Currently is the WTA rankings race, which recaps all the points earned this year alone. Halep is located at a shocking 73rd in the world, however, with over six months remaining on the tour. There is still time for her to turn her disastrous start to 2016 around.
Halep’s 2016 season so far
Brisbane International – withdraw due to inflammation in her left Achilles.
Sydney – Defeated Caroline Garcia and Karolina Pliskova to reach the semifinals. Lost in the last four to eventual champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Australian Open – First round loss to Zhang Shuai.
Fed Cup (Vs Czech Republic) – Defeated Petra Kvitova, lost to Karolina Pliskova.
Dubai – Lost in second round (first match) to Ana Ivanovic.
Qatar Open – Lost in second round (first match) to Elena Vesnina.
