MADRID: World No.1 Simona Halep was keen to pour water onto the fire following her latest comprehensive win at the Madrid Open.
The Romanian illustrated why she is a two-time champion of the tournament with an emphatic 6-0, 6-3, win over Elise Mertens. A player who recently won back-to-back titles on the clay in Switzerland and Morocco.
Despite the hype surrounding the encounter, in reality it was a one-way show in Halep’s favor. The Romanian dismantled her opponent from the onset, who has been suffering from a bout of Gastroenteritis in recent days. Illustrated by a winner-error ratio of 2-14 from the Belgian in the opening set alone.
In contrast, a more composed Halep stuck to her game plan of hitting deep into the court and moving her rival around. Unfazed by the below-par form of Mertens, she continued to apply the pressure and forcing the errors from her. Eight games went by before Mertens got onto the scoreboard. It wasn’t until the final game of the match where Halep encountered difficulty. Serving for a place in the third round, she squandered four match points before triumphing on her fifth.
“I had to start very strong, the match, and aggressive, which I did. After I played a few games, I felt really good on court.” Halep said in her press conference.
“I think I played well again. Is the second match of the tournament. I have a great feeling. It was a nice match, and I take it like an important one because I played against a girl that won two tournaments on clay so far this year.”
The day-by-day approach
Despite the openness of the WTA Tour, in Madrid Halep is the player to beat for some. She has reached the final in three out of the past four years, winning the title twice. The high altitude of Madrid favors Halep’s heavy-hitting game. Although there are other factors that help her at the tournament.
“I think it’s all about confidence here at this tournament and the pleasure to play. Many friends are coming. My family is here. It’s a feeling like I’m home. Makes me feel more motivated and more relaxed.”
Yet to win a grand slam title, the 26-year-old maintains an easy going outlook for the future. So far this year she has won one trophy at the Shenzhen Open in China. She currently leads the rankings by 1265 points over second placed Caroline Wozniacki.
Despite her current position as the top ranked player, Halep is under no illusion of the threat she faces going into the French Open. Last year the tournament was won by Jelena Ostapenko, who was unseeded in the draw.
“You never know in tennis. You have to take day by day and match by match. At this level, everyone is playing really good tennis, really good level of tennis.” She explained.
“I have just to go there and to be focused, to be motivated to win every match I play, and to wait and see what is going to happen. I don’t want to expect anything. I just want to enjoy and to believe that I have my chance to go through the end.”
Next up in Madrid for the Romanian will be Kristyna Pliskova. A player who defeated Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. Halep has won both of their previous meetings.
