World No.1 Simona Halep is hoping a strong run in the Italian Open will help conqueror her ultimate goal at the second grand slam of the season.
The French Open will get underway on May 27th with the Romanian currently on course to be the top seed in the event. Halep is already a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros after falling just short in 2014 and 2017. She was also denied the Australian Open title in January by Caroline Wozniacki.
Halep’s preparations for the clay court major hit a blip earlier in the week at the Madrid Open. Facing Karolina Pliskova in the quarter-finals, she went out in straight sets. Suffering her first loss at the Caja Magica since 2016.
“I can say I was not at the best level, but I played well.” Halep told reporters on Sunday. “So I don’t take negatives from that tournament. I played in the quarters, three times in a row, which is good.I like that tournament. So, nothing is negative.”
Hoping to make up for her earlier than anticipated Madrid exit, Halep heads to Rome with her eyes on the ultimate prize – the French Open. The 26-year-old is aiming to break her major title drought this year. Although she insists that her preparations heading into the event will be no different to previous years.
“Of course, the Grand Slam is now for me the most important tournament. So I’m taking every tournament important. I’m giving everything I have every week. Like I did before Melbourne, I went to Shenzhen, I won singles, doubles.” Explained Halep.
“I’m doing nothing special before a Grand Slam. Just taking care of your body to be healthy. And if nothing bad happens, I feel like every time you are ready.
“I’m working every day, I’m playing every day. So, we’ll see what is gonna happen. But, the goal is the Grand Slam this year.”
Granted a first round bye, Halep has been dealt a tough opening match in Rome. Awaiting her in the second round will be either two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka or Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka. Two players she has previously lost to in the past.
Halep finished runner-up at last year’s Italian Open to Elina Svitolina.
