Simona Halep believes an improvement in her mentality is one of the key reasons behind her surge at the French Open.
The world No.4 is set to play in her second grand slam final (first since 2014) after defeating Karolina Pliskova in three sets on Thursday. Halep came through the two-hour battle with the help of some impressive defensive play as well as benefitting heavily from her rivals unforced error count of 55.
Halep’s win over Pliskova was her second consecutive match at Roland Garros that went to three sets. In the quarterfinals, she clawed her way back from a 3-6, 1-5, deficit to prevail over Elina Svitolina, saving a match point on route. Reflecting upon her run in Roland Garros, the Romanian believes her mental game has helped her throughout the tournament.
“To be in the final, it’s just a happy thing. I just feel happy.” The world No.4 said. “Proud, I can say, because I think the mental part (of my game) helped me a lot this tournament in all the matches, and today in the third set (against Pliskova).”
The newly found mentality was one that Halep was forced to discover. After a tense Miami Open with her coach Darren Cahill, she was given an ultimatum. Cahill threatened to leave her team if she didn’t change her attitude, prompting the 25-year-old to swiftly re-evaluate her priorities. The Cahill threat triggered a resurgence in Halep’s Game as she defended her title at the Madrid Open followed by reaching the final in Rome prior to Roland Garros.
Break point delivered in style via @simona_halep.
Une balle de break convertie avec style par @simona_halep#RG17 pic.twitter.com/TFoxMKSNma
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 8 June 2017
In previous years, Halep has already displayed glimmers of her talent. So far in her career, she has won 15 titles on the WTA tour, six of those being at Premier tournaments. The fighting spirit has always been there, but managing her emotions of the court has previously affected her performance.
“I think I have improved a lot in this part.” She responded when asked about her mental strength.
“I always had this fighting thing, but now I control it better and I control it in the positive way. I feel good on the court, and I felt that my game was pretty strong today and throughout the tournament.”
Halep has also credited her recent injury setback to ‘positive thinking.’ During the final of the Italian Open, Halep stumbled on the court and hurt her ankle. A scan initially cast doubts about her ability to play at Roland Garros, but she refused to be defeated.
Ostapenko awaits
In the upcoming final Halep will be regarded as the heavy favourite. Her opponent will be 20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko, who will be bidding to become the first player to win their maiden tour title at a grand slam since Gustavo Kuerten at the 1997 French Open.
“I saw a little bit of her match today. In my opinion is similar to what I had today (against Pliskova), so maybe it’s gonna be the same plan.”
A maiden major title isn’t the only thing at stake for the third seed at Roland Garros. Winning the trophy on Saturday would also make Halep the first ever world No.1 player from Romania.
“I think I have the game. I have the mentality to win, but it’s gonna be tough. I expect her (Ostapenko) to give everything she has, to hit all the balls, to play with confidence.” But I’m confident, as well.” She concluded about her chances in the upcoming final.
