Simona Halep is the women’s equivalent of Rafael Nadal, Slam legend claims

Chris Evert believes that Simona Halep is the female equivalent of Rafael Nadal as the pair share a similar style of play, saying she has to “rely more on her legs and movement.”

Whilst Halep hasn’t won 21 Grand Slams like Rafael Nadal, she has still earned a comparison to the Spanish legend due to her resilience to comeback after various injuries and a similar play-style.

Two-time Slam champion Halep endured a difficult season last year as she was blighted by major injury on numerous occasions. As a result, she dropped down the WTA rankings and now finds herself ranked 26th in the world.

Last year, the former World number one suffered an injury to her right shoulder at the Miami Open, tore a muscle in her left calf at the Italian Open and then injured her right adductor at the Canada Masters.

As a result, the muscle tear in her calf ruled her out of both the French Open and Wimbledon, where she was the defending champion, as well as the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As reported by Eurosport Romania, 18-time Grand Slam legend Evert said “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. She is not tall or strong, so she has to rely more on her legs and movement.

“I think it just depends on her. I’m a big fan of Simona. I like her game. I think she can beat a lot of these players who are ranked ahead of her.

“I can’t believe she’s the 24th favourite [seed at the Indian Wells Masters]. It’s ridiculous, but I know it’s because she was injured, she didn’t play, but she has what it takes to get back in the top five.

“She is stronger than almost all these players and moves as well as the best on the circuit.”

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