MADRID: Simona Halep was nothing but upbeat following her loss to Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Thursday
The world No.1 suffered a straight sets loss at the hands of the Czech sixth seed. Ending her run of 15 consecutive wins at the Caja Magica. It is the fifth consecutive tournament where Halep has failed to progress to the final. Although, she is not too disheartened about her latest defeat.
“I didn’t play bad, in my opinion. I missed some important moments.” She explained. “But I’m not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win. She played better.”
Prior to today’s clash, the Romanian boasted a 6-1 head-to-head record against her opponent. Winning all three of their most recent meetings. Following the match, Pliskova said she felt that she had the belief that she could win. Although Halep couldn’t pinpoint any substantial changes in her game.
“Yeah, maybe she changed a little bit, but I think she’s playing the same every time. Today she just didn’t miss. She was running very well. It was a good match, in my opinion.” She said.
Refusing to find excuses for her loss, the candid speaking Romanian has dismissed the motion that the pressure got to her. Going into the match she was the two-time defending champion with a lot of ranking points at stake.
“This level you have to be able to manage the pressure, so I didn’t feel bad because of that.” Halep commented about coping with the pressure.
“Maybe I didn’t play my best game, but maybe she didn’t let me play my best game.”
The next challenge will occur next week at the Italian Open in Rome. Last year she finished runner-up to Elina Svitolina in the event. It is a quick turnaround, but one the Australian Open finalist relishes.
“It’s a busy schedule, but it’s the most beautiful part for me to play in Europe, to play on clay. I love Rome.” She declared.
“I’m not stressing myself about the points. I’m not stressing myself about this busy schedule. I just want to enjoy it. I enjoy it. I’m looking forward already to start the next tournament.”
Halep will remain world No.1 at the end of this week regardless of who wins the Madrid title.
