The achievements of veteran players such as Roger Federer and Mirjana Lucic-Baroni is something that continues to inspire Simona Halep.
Once a sport dominated by the youngsters, an increasing trend in the older players triumphing on the tour has occurred in recent years. At the Australian Open 35-year-old Federer won a record 18th grand slam title, becoming the first man in history to do so. Meanwhile, Lucic-Baroni reached her first major semifinal since 1999 at the age of 34. The women’s title was won by 35-year-old Serena Williams.
Elena Vesnina is the latest addition to the group of older winners. At the age of 30 she won the biggest title of her career when she defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova in a marathon final at the BNP Paribas Open. The triumph has also elevated the Russian to a ranking best of 13th in the world.
At the age of 26, Halep still has a way to go to be classed as a tour veteran. Speaking about the success of the over 30s, the world No.5 revealed that it has had an impact on the age which she considered retiring from the sport.
“Elena played really good and she’s a great player. She’s won Grand Slams in doubles, so she’s right there. She’s also over 30, so the players at that age are playing much better than before. So I still have some time, no?” She said during an interview with wtatennis.com.
“For the last year, I’ve started to think that I have many years ahead. That makes me feel more relaxed, but I’m trying to take it easy. At the beginning of my career, I’d say 28, last year I said 30. Now I’m thinking more like 32.”
This week there are five top-20 players aged over 30 in the women’s rankings and six in the men’s.
Remaining upbeat about her future in the sport, Halep’s immediate focus is on her health. The Romanian has been troubled by a knee injury since the start of the year, winning just three matches. Her latest loss was to Kristina Mladenovic in what was an error-stricken performance at indian Wells. Despite her latest injury setback, Halep continues to look at the positive side of things.
“I’ve learned that I have to protect my body more to prevent injuries, and do certain exercises for that.” She said. “After having to do them every day, I’m already sick of them, but I have to keep doing them. It’s a routine, and routine is hard to maintain at this level, but if it helps me, I won’t stop.”
Halep is the third seed in the Miami Open and will face rising-star Naomi Osaka in her first match. Last year she battled past Osaka in three sets at the French Open.
