Simona Halep news: ‘I felt sick, felt a little bit dizzy,’ reveals Romanian after Melbourne exit
Simona Halep has admitted she was close to giving up in her Australian Open fourth-round clash against Frenchwoman Alize Cornet on Monday.
The world No 15 was outsmarted 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 by Cornet in the last-16 encounter in searing conditions on Rod Laver Arena.
Melbourne Park has seen high temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius with both players struggling.
Former world No 1 Halep gave credit to Cornet saying she was too strong.
The two-time Grand Slam winner, who missed several months of action in 2021 due to injury, revealed she had no injury concerns during her match, just with the heat.
A new chapter…
On her 63rd main draw appearance, @alizecornet is into her FIRST Grand Slam quarterfinal. The world No.61 upsets Simona Halep 6-4 3-6 6-4.#AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/PwlBeFTPDA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2022
“I have no injury, this is good. Only the heat got me actually early in the first set. I felt sick, felt a little bit dizzy,” said the Romanian.
“It’s tough to play in the heat, and I was not ready today. She was a little bit stronger, and that’s why she could win the match.
“I was close to just giving up, because I was exhausted, how I looked, actually.
“But I felt like she was starting to miss, and I just stayed there. I fought for every ball. But with not much confidence.”
Halep added: “I’m super happy with the way I have been here in Australia. I struggled a lot last year, and the way I got up, it’s looking really good.
“I’m happy about that, and I will take only the positives.”