The series of high-profile exits at this year’s Madrid Open in the women’s draw is something which comes as no shock to two-time champion Simona Halep.
Heading into the half-way point of the WTA 1000 event only four out of the 16 seeds remain in the draw. Although Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur is the only top 10 player to have made it to the quarter-final stage out of the seven that entered into the draw. Incredibly, none of the other six top 10 stars managed to score back-to-back wins this year with Aryna Sabalenka and Karolina Pliskova losing in the first round. Paula Badosa, Maria Sakkari, Danielle Collins and Garbine Muguruza all fell in the second round.
“I would have said that WTA tennis is very open, and anyone can win any tournament,” Halep commented on the situation. “So I’m not very surprised. I know that everyone is working hard and everyone has a chance.’
“I don’t look at the rankings that much, but it’s pretty amazing that only Ons is top 10 at this tournament. It’s a big tournament.”
Halep, who is the only former champion remaining in the women’s tournament, registered her 30th win in Madrid on Monday after beating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-4. To put that into perspective, she has only won more main draw matches at the Australian Open and French Open (31).
“It means a lot because I feel great. I like the conditions. The people are very nice to me,” she said of the milestone.
“I will always have a warm welcome. Everyone makes me feel at home. In the past, Mr. Tiriac owned this tournament and I felt like actually I’m playing at home.’
“Everyone is nice to me. It’s a special tournament and forever will be the same.”
It is the fourth time this season that the 30-year-old has reached at least the quarter-final stage of a WTA event. Her win-loss record for 2022 currently stands at 18-4.
Next up for Halep in Madrid is a showdown with the highest ranked player remaining in the field, Jabeur. The eighth seed ousted Belinda Bencic 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, in her third round match. Jabeur is chasing after her maiden Tour title on clay this week after coming close at the Charleston Open where she lost the final in three tight sets.
“Every time on court it is a big fight, a big battle. I’m expecting a big one in the next round,” Halep said of her upcoming meeting with Jabeur.
“But I’m here just to give my best. I feel good on the court, I feel my game. I’m just looking forward to playing it and to fighting for it.”
Halep’s quarter-final match will take place on Wednesday.
