Will Halep live up to her seeding?
World No.1 Simona Halep will be bidding to reach the final of the tournament for the first time. Even though she has been handed a tricky draw. Earlier this year, the Romanian ended her major title drought at the French Open. In total she has featured in six tournament finals so far this season and leads the WTA rankings with more than 2000 points.
“Inside myself something changed. I’m more relaxed. I feel thankful for everything I achieved. Also, these two were my dreams, to be No. 1 in the world and to win a Grand Slam. Always I say No. 1 in the world without a Grand Slam, you are not a real No. 1. I said that before.” Said Halep.
“After the French Open, I really started to believe that I’m a real No. 1. So I think made me more confident, made me more relaxed. I have different desire now when I’m on court. I enjoy more the time.”
As well as trying to live up to her position as top seed, Halep will also be seeking redemption. Last year she fell in the first round to Maria Sharapova in straight sets. The US Open has been her worst performing grand slam statistically with a 67% winning rate just behind Wimbledon (68%).
“It’s a very tough, very tough draw for sure. It’s going to be a big challenge. Last year I lost in the first round, so it cannot be worse than that. I feel confident.” She concluded.
Since 2000, only Justine Henin and Serena Williams have won the title in New York as the top seed.
