Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has admitted that she is unsure how her body will hold up in her first match at the Western and Southern Open later this week.
The world No.4 was forced to retire from her semi-final clash with Marie Bouzková at the Rogers Cup last week. Doing so due to a lower left leg injury. It was the first time the Romanian had been forced to retire midway through a match since the Beijing Open last October. However, the latest injury hasn’t had an impact on Halep’s scheduling as she aims to get back on track.
“The leg is ok. I’ve had some treatment over the past days since I retired from Toronto.” Halep said during an interview with The Tennis Channel.
“I haven’t played yet so I don’t know exactly how it is, but I will know.”
Despite never winning Cincinnati, the 27-year-old has enjoyed success at the tournament. Reaching the final in three out of the past four years. The only tournament Halep has reached more finals at is the Madrid Open.
The first test for the two-time grand slam champion will be either Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro or Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova. She leads Suarez Navarro 7-5 in their head-to-head, but is yet to play Alexandrova.
“I have a little injury, but I feel good and positive. The first match is going to be tough,” she said ahead of the clash.
“I’m looking forward to getting ready on Wednesday, and give my best.”
Cincinnati serves as a late tune-up for many players ahead of the US Open, which is the final grand slam of the tennis calendar. Should she win the title, Halep would be only the third player on the WTA Tour to win the tournament and Wimbledon in the same year since 2000. Only the Williams sisters have achieved the milestone within that period.
“The US Open is a big difference because of the crowd and the atmosphere. It’s more about entertainment so it’s not easy to adjust.” Halep explained.
“I’m a quiet person, so I’m trying to get better year by year. I’ve made the semis in the past, so I’m confident that there’s a chance to do more.”
So far this season, Halep has achieved a win-loss record of 38-11. She is currently 8-5 when playing top 20 opposition on the tour.
