A relaxed Simona Halep has given an insight on what it’s like to be a younger player ahead of her quarter-final clash with Amanda Anisimova.
The defending champion cruised past 18 year-old Iga Swiatek 6-1 6-0 in 45 minutes as she once again reached the last eight in Paris.
After her dominant performance over the Wimbledon Juniors champion, Halep offered a different perspective on what it’s like to play as a teenager.
In her press conference the defending champion said that you have no fear when you play as a teenager, “Yeah, when you face someone that is higher ranked than you, you don’t have, you know, fear. You just go and want to show your best tennis,” Halep explained.
“So I feel like they have this feeling all the time when they play with someone better ranked. But also, I take my advantage, and I say that I’m experienced. So we will see.”
There was also words of comfort from the world number three to Swiatek, who reached the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in her career, “She needs time,” Halep said
“But for sure she will be high because at 18, if you’re playing fourth round of a Grand Slam, that means a lot. So she will be all right after this.”
Next up for Halep will be another teenager in Amanda Anisimova, who is the first player born in the 2000’s to reach a grand slam quarter-final.
The American beat Spanish qualifier Aliona Bolsova 6-3 6-0 to make the last eight for the first time in Paris and Halep isn’t taking it for granted, “Back to the quarter-finals is not easy, so I’m thinking just to give my best again next round. It’s just what I’m thinking about.”
This match will take place on Wednesday as the Romanian looks to become the first player for 12 years to defend her title.
