Simona Halep says her collaboration with a new coach is heading in the right direction after booking her place in the fourth round at Indian Wells.
This week the former world No.1 is under the guidance of France’s Morgan Bourbon, who is the former coach of Benoit Paire. The two got acquainted during Halep’s training block at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and the Frenchman was recommended to her by her former mentor Darren Cahill. At the moment the two are working together on a trial basis with the possibility of a longer partnership forming.
“The whole team from this academy is great to me,” Halep told reporters on Sunday at Indian Wells. “I really enjoy the time that I spend with them. Yeah, it looks good so far. I’m looking forward actually to getting to know [coach Bourbon] better because it’s only 10 days, 12 days to go. I cannot say much. But I feel good.”
Halep sealed her place in the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-4, win over Coco Gauff who was celebrating her 18th birthday on the same day. The Romanian remained unbroken throughout the entire match after saving four break points and she won 70% of her first service points. It is the sixth time in her career she has reached the last 16 at Indian Wells which she won back in 2015.
“It was a little bit difficult because it was windy. I’m really pleased with the way I played. I think I played a smart tennis. I’ve been focused and I moved pretty well,” she said of her latest win.
“I think I played smart tonight because from one side you had to play differently and from the other side a little bit different. So I think I managed very well all the moments. I got a little bit frustrated at some points because I missed some balls that were super easy. But it happens.” She added.
Heading into Indian Wells, Halep has achieved a win-loss of 11-3 on the Tour so far this season. In January she won her 23rd WTA title in Melbourne. Following on from that she also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open and the semi-finals in Dubai.
The next test for Halep will be a showdown against compatriot Sorana Cirstea. It will be the first time the two have locked horns on the Tour since 2010.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for me. It’s just another match. I’m used to playing with Romanians. Of course, it’s going to be a tough one. She’s a great player,” she previewed.
