Athlete of the Week on RRI – Simona Halep

Simona Halep had an excellent run at the 2018 Australian Open

Florin Orban, 30.01.2018, 13:22

Romanian tennis player Simona Halep was again very close to winning her first major. In this year’s Australian Open she reached as far as the finals, but failed her third attempt at winning her first Grand Slam. Still, Simona Halep had an incredible journey in the Australian Open. Her matches were very difficult and dramatic, but Simona took every match at a time and surpassed each challenge bravely. She was in constant pain during the tournament due to an older ankle injury. At the end of the tournament she was exhausted, suffering from heatstroke, which required her immediate hospitalization. For her remarkable performance in Melbourne, we have designated Simona Halep Athlete of the Week on RRI.

In the final Simona Halep played WTA 2nd-ranked Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. The Danish player won 7-6, 3-6, 6-4 at the end of a thrilling match, thus winning her first Grand Slam tournament and replacing Simona at the top of WTA standings. Here is what Simona Halep told the press upon arriving in Bucharest.

“Caroline had a very good game and she deserved the win. I was very close to winning a Grand Slam. Of course I’m sad I wasn’t able to win, but life goes on. It was just a tennis game and I hope to win the next final, should the opportunity present itself”.

Born on September 27, 1991 in Constanta, Simona Halep made her debut in 2006, when she played her first IF tournaments. In 2010 she made it to the world’s top 100 players. 2013 was a very fruitful year for Simona, who won no less than six WTA tournaments. In August 2014 she reached 2nd place in WTA standings. In October 2017 she climbed to the top position, which she held until last week. The Australian Open was Simona’s third attempt at winning her first major, after losing the Roland Garros finals in 2014 and 2017. (Translated by V. Palcu)