World No.1 Simona Halep has insisted that she is not feeling the heat ahead of her semifinal clash at the French Open.
The two-time Roland Garros finalist secured a place in the last four of this year’s tournament with a three sets triumph over Angelique Kerber. Fighting back from a set down to win 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-2. It is only the second time Halep has managed to reach back-to-back Grand slam semifinals and her first since 2014.
“It was a tough start. I think I missed too much. I wanted actually to do too much in the match.” Said Halep. “It was tough because her ball is very low, and you don’t have many chances to finish the points from there.”
“Then I just try to play with more spin, open the court, and to move her.” She added.
Two wins are all the separates the Romanian for the biggest title of her career yet. In the past grand slam tournaments has been filled with heartbreak for Halep. Twelve months ago, she was on course to lifting the French Open title when she lead Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 3-0, in the final. Only for the Latvian to fight back and snatch the win. Then at this year’s Australian Open, she was once again squeezed out in the title match, but this time it was by Caroline Wozniacki.
Despite being the top seed, Halep states that she feels no added pressure. Even if she is gaining in momentum on the tour with her aggressive play. Something Halep has been working on in recent weeks alongside her coach Darren Cahill.
“I have no pressure. I have played well this tournament. Every match was better and better. I had tough opponents. Tomorrow I face another one.” She evaluated about her run so far.
“I have no expectations, no pressure. I just want to play as I did today, and as I did every day. If I do that, I will be okay after the match, no matter the result.”
Awaiting Halep in the semifinals will be 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza. The Spanish third seed thrashed Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-1, in her quarter-final match. As well as a place in the final up for grabs, the winner of the upcoming clash will also claim the No.1 ranking. A position Halep has held since February 26th.
“Yeah, she’s playing fast with everyone,” Halep said of Muguruza. “So I have just to stay strong, to try to make her uncomfortable on court, and to try to play my game.
“(She) has everything, she’s a great player. So tomorrow is going to be a big challenge for me.”
Halep trails Muguruza 1-3 in their head-to-head.
