Simona Halep: I need to be smart, aggressive against Serena Williams

Shahida Jacobs
Simona Halep press conference

She knows it will be a “huge challenge” when she faces Serena Williams at the Australian Open, but Simona Halep is “confident” ahead of the match.

World No 1 Halep will take on 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams in the fourth round on Monday and it promises to be a titanic affair.

“In my opinion, to be No 1 in the world and to be the best player in the world, it’s a little bit different,” the Romanian said.

“In this moment, I’m No 1 in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks.

“But for sure she’s the best player in the world because she won so many Grand Slams. She’s been a lot on No 1. I cannot compare my results to her. But in this moment, I’m confident that I’m in this position, and I’m positive about it.”

Former world No 1 Williams leads their head-to-head 8-2 although one of the American’s losses was actually a walkover.

Halep feels she shouldn’t over think the match and play her natural game.

“I only beat [Serena] once in my life, so I cannot say much about this match,” she said. “Just that it’s going to be a huge challenge for me. It’s always great to play against Serena because every time I have to learn something from the match.

She added: “I have to be smart, aggressive. I have to move her and give my best. I will not super think about this because is nothing to think, just go there and play natural and with confidence.”

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