CONSTANTA, Romania – It was a fantastic year for Simona Halep – biggest title of her career at Indian Wells, first US Open semifinal and getting back to No.2 in the world – and finishing the year there for the very first time. But which one of those was the Romanian trailblazer’s personal highlight?
“Indian Wells of course – it was my biggest title,” Halep said. “Also I played really well in the summer – I did quarterfinals and semifinals for the first time at the US Open, and I played two finals before that, so even though I lost early at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, I’m happy with my season. I was feeling more relaxed and more confident, and I really started to enjoy every match on the court.
“Last year was a big year for me, but I think this year was better than last year.”
One could even say that her 2014 season was the reason her 2015 was so strong.
“I can say because of last year, this year I learned many things,” she said. “I learned how to play without pressure when I have to defend something, to defend points or the title. And I learned that if I’m relaxed and enjoying what I’m doing, it helps me concentrate better and I can win tough matches. Last year I played well, but this year I made a lot of improvements in my game, and in my life also.”
As one of the most popular players on the tour, and with such a big fan base from her home country, learning how to handle the pressure placed on her shoulders has been huge – but she’s doing it.
“In our country everyone is telling me that I have to win all the matches, but I’m not a robot. I’m a normal girl and a normal player. I have ups and downs. I can win a big match; I can lose a smaller match. So now I’m just trying to focus on what I have to do. I just want to play with full power, full of positive thoughts. I try not to think about what people are saying about my results or my tennis.
“I know Romanians want me to win every match, and it’s fine – I do everything I can to win them.”
So what will 2016 bring for ultra-talented Romanian? A first Grand Slam title, even No.1?
After the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, where she was the No.1 seed in Serena Williams’ absence, Halep talked about her plans for the off-season and hopes for 2016.
“I have many things to improve in my game. Right now I am pretty solid and confident in my game, but I want to improve more when I go into the court – I have to improve my net game. And my serve, too, but I’ve improved that a little bit already. And when I go from offense to defense, and the other way.
“Right now I want to take a holiday, of course, and I won’t think about tennis for a little bit, but then I’ll come back and work hard. I really want to get better; I want to do better next year.
“Then I will be stronger.”
