“She is like Nadal, known for three-set matches and comebacks”- Chris Evert impressed by Simona Halep’s incredible work ethic
Follow Us
Chris Evert and Simona Halep
Simona Halep is recently making a resurgence after falling out of the top crop of players due to injuries. Post the pandemic, Halep suffered a calf injury and had to miss the majority of the 2021 season and as a result, fell out of the top-10 rankings. On top of that, she split up with her coach Daniel Dobre, under whom she won her second Grand Slam title.
Halep was occupied with her off-court activities as well, she tied the knot with Romanian businessman, Toni Iuric in September last year. But she didn’t take a break following it and continued to compete at tournaments. American legend Chris Evert by Halep’s work ethic to manage her professional life so well. Evert revealed she had to stay 4-5 months off tennis courts after her marriage to just lead a normal life. She then compared the Romanian to Rafael Nadal and even remarked Halep is a female version of the Spaniard, both known for pulling off stunning comeback wins.
“It’s interesting. I got married at the age of 24 and I think in two years I took 4 or 5 months off because I just wanted to lead a normal life! Simona Halep is another player, like Nadal, who has to work harder in training, in the gym, in matches. She is known for three-set matches and comebacks,” Evert said in an interview with ProSport.
Halep once remarked that critics said she would be seen nowhere on tour after her wedding, but she proved the naysayers wrong with her commitment towards the game.
“Many people have said that I will go down after the wedding party, but I didn’t say that! My husband is with me and I am happy. It supports me to keep playing, “said Halep.
Simona Halep faces a tricky third-round clash against Coco Gauff
Halep had to rally past Ekaterina Alexandrova in her second-round clash at the Indian Wells. She lost the deciding service game in the second set but made light work of her opponent in the third set to eventually prevail 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
Now the former World No.1 has an uphill task in hand as she faces American teen sensation Coco Gauff in the third round. The duo squared off against each other once before, when Halep defeated the American in straight sets en route to her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 2019. Halep will be looking for the same result this time around as well, as she continues her ascent up the rankings.
Also read: “I was a little bit distracted” Iga Swiatek happy to pull off a tough win in the Indian Wells opener
Stay Updated!
T Rushitha
(360 Articles Published)