Halep has a major reason to feel like a ‘real No. 1’
Triumph at French Open last year gives top seed a huge confidence boost
Simona Halep was trying on her new shoes when she got the news direct from the draw about her tough section containing both Serena and Venus Williams at the Australian Open.
Even before she contemplates possible back-to-back matches in the third and fourth round against Venus and Serena, topranked Halep has to get through an opening match against Kaia Kanepi, who beat her in the first round at the U.S. Open last year.
Darren Cahill, a TV commentator and Halep’s coach until recently, texted her with details of the draw.
“When I saw the message, I was like, ‘OK, whatever,’ ” she said. “I just enjoy the moment with the shoes, then I’ll think about the match. That’s it.”
She can do that now that she considers herself a genuine No. 1. Halep entered last year with the top-ranking but without a major to her credit.
After losing a tough, three-set final to Caroline Wozniacki at the Australian Open, she briefly lost the No.1spot but regained it quickly and will be into her 48th consecutive week in the top spot when the season’s first major starts. Her breakthrough at the French Open gave her all the confirmation she’d ever needed.
“It’s a big difference — I can say inside myself because I did what I wanted to do. I won a grand slam finally. Now I can say I’m a real No. 1,” Halep said of the difference between her approaches to this season and to last.
“Before I said without a grand slam, you are not a real No. 1.
“I’m happy. I’m enjoying the time. Everything I’ve done last year made me be more relaxed. I try just to improve more in my game.”
Halep lost four straight matches to finish 2018, hampered by a back injury, and was beaten by Ashleigh Barty at the Sydney International to start this season. But she says her back is fine. She’s also without a coach in Melbourne, an appointment she’s taking time to consider.