Simona Halep: toiling under the radar

Days out from the Australian Open, Simona Halep is investing the work befitting a world No.1. Attention, though, is another matter.

While men’s No.1 Rafael Nadal is firmly ensconced in the title conversation – alongside the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, ‘Next Gen’ leader Sascha Zverev and home charge Nick Kyrgios – the top player in the women’s game, appears to be under the radar.

Rejuvenated duo Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber are the likely champions for many observers, with 2017 finalist Venus Williams and Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza in the mix.

Halep, fresh from claiming the singles and doubles titles at the Shenzhen Open in China, just doesn’t seem to be getting the push you’d expect of a top-ranked player. With a four year partnership with adidas recently ended, the world No.1 doesn’t even have a clothing sponsor.

Is this because the men’s leader Nadal has 16 Grand Slam trophies and Halep, despite 16 lower-level wins, is yet to lift that sparkling silverware? Or is it a consequence of the Romanian’s turbulent record at the top events in recent campaigns?

Australian Open 2018 marks Halep’s 27^th major and the two-time Grand Slam finalist has concluded the past four seasons among the top four in the rankings. Surely the signs should be pointing towards Grand Slam glory for this incredibly consistent and industrious competitor?

Thank you @ShenzhenOpenWTA for a wonderful week. A really big thank you to my doubles partner @irina_begu ???? and to my team ???????????? Great way to start 2018. Melbourne next stop ???? pic.twitter.com/gREMMK5OKi

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) January 6, 2018

Halep has often appeared to crave Slam success too much, berating herself regularly on and off court. Perhaps the pursuit has become overwhelming.

The 2017 season delivered a mixed bag at the Grand Slams. A first-round defeat by Shelby Rogers in Melbourne repeated her exit at the first hurdle in 2016.

A second run to the final at Roland Garros was then boosted by a quarterfinal showing at Wimbledon. Another first round exit followed at the US Open, but it was a three-set thriller up against an inspired Maria Sharapova.

The task for Halep is turning this apparent heartbreak into fuel for success.

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The amiable 26-year-old, who was voted WTA Fan Favourite last season, has been dealing with relentless questioning regarding her pursuit of an elusive major. That only intensified when securing the No.1 ranking at the back end of 2017.

Every interview she seems to be smiling and absorbing both the profile and pressure that accompanies the top position.

An extended off-season break has left her refreshed and ready to roll.

“I was off for four weeks. I went out almost every day with my friends. I didn’t think about tennis. I did nothing. I didn’t think about the No.1 ranking,” Halep told WTA Insider, with a new bonus rewarding her on court consistency.

“Now I’m No.1, there are many people around. I went to the restaurant and the owners are paying the bills. Everything’s changed, to be honest.”

Halep admits results and records preoccupied her mind in 2017, but has a very simple goal for the season ahead.

“Honestly, this No.1 is gone from my head,” she added. “I touched it, I saw how it is, and it doesn’t matter anymore. I just want to win matches. No more rankings, no more other stuff. Just enjoying.”

The pair titles in Zhenzhen provided the perfect platform, boosting confidence in match play in a relaxed environment.

Should Halep maintain this momentum in Melbourne, then the world No.1 will at last become prominent in the favourites conversation.