Simona Halep targeting a return to the top as she prepares for Australian Open

Ayanda Frances Felem
January 13, 2022

Following multiple injuries that caused a delay in her career, Romanian tennis superstar and former world No.1 Simona Halep has vowed to revive her career by aiming for top ten spots again.

The 30-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the Australian Open in Melbourne and she is eyeing a return to the top of the game.

Halep has been at the top of the WTA rankings for a total of 64 weeks, which ranks eleventh in the history of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, but she has slipped to 15 in the current standings and is aiming to bounce back in 2022.

“I was there for many years. In the end last year I felt exhausted with all the injuries and all the pressure I’ve had. That’s why I said maybe it’s a good point to be out of the Top 10 and to have this challenge again,” Halep said in the interview with The AO Show podcast.

“I see it positively, I see it with confidence, I think it’s possible to get back there, but I know at the same time it’s going to be very difficult. A lot of work, a lot of matches to win. For sure there is a chance if I am professional and do what I have to do.

“It’s beautiful to still be able to play at 30. When I was little I said at 26, 27 I would be done, but here I am, I’m 30. I feel like I’ve done everything that I wished as a kid… I don’t put pressure on myself about the results.

“Now I’ve started to see tennis a little more relaxed, to enjoy the moments here and to enjoy the time on court. I’m very happy to be back here.”

Simona Halep