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Simona Halep US Open 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

‘I’m still motivated’ – Simona Halep brushes off retirement rumours during injury lay-off


Simona Halep has dismissed rumours she was considering retirement during her injury lay off and insists she is as motivated as ever.

The two-time Grand Slam champion has suffered an injury-hit campaign after missing Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics after sustaining an injury in Rome earlier this year.

The Romanian star made her return in Montreal in August after a three-month absence and completed the rest of the North American hard-court swing before returning to Europe.

Now, as the former world number one returns to home soil at the Transylvania Open in Cluj, she insists she is still determined to compete at the highest level.

“Many people were talking about that (my retirement), but I never said I would stop playing after the wedding party,” said Halep.

“I’m still motivated and still love tennis. My husband is next to me all the time, and I’m happy to stay on court, and play matches.”

The Romanian star believes she is close to finding her best tennis and put on a vintage display in her opener against Elena Ruse with a 6-1, 6-2 victory.

“I’m improving, day by day,” she said. “I feel more confident during the tournaments and matches. I think I’m starting to feel my best game again.

“Of course, it’s never easy after a long period without playing matches. Now, I’m focused only on what I feel today, and I feel good. The injuries are in the past, so I’m trying to take positives from every match.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.