Video: Simona Halep – Sunday, March 13, 2022

S. HALEP/C. Gauff

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Talk us through the match a little bit.

SIMONA HALEP: It was a little bit difficult because it was windy. I’m really pleased with the way I played. I think I played a smart tennis.

Yeah, I’ve been focused and I moved pretty well.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. The wind seemed to be at times at a level that could be very frustrating. You seemed to manage it well. What was the key to be able to play as cleanly as you did?

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, I’m not scared about the wind. I never been. Also when I was a kid.

As I said I think I played smart tonight because from one side you had to play different, from the other side a little bit different. So I think I managed very well all the moments.

I got a little bit frustrated at some points because I missed some balls that were super easy. But it happens. It was for both of us difficult.

I just wanted to stay focused on actually what I thought before the match that I have to do, and I did it 100% right.

Q. Do you remember the windiest match you’ve ever had to play in?

SIMONA HALEP: It’s tough. It’s tough because many times you play in the wind. I think in Dubai I played once, like 2015, night against Kanepi if I’m not wrong. Yeah, it was a disaster. The ball was moving until it touch the second part of the court. Yeah, it was really tough.

Q. You’ll face Sorana next. You have not played almost at all on tour. This would be the first match in almost 12 years.

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah.

Q. Which is weird.

SIMONA HALEP: I played many Romanians.

Q. What is the challenge of facing her? Do you practice at all?

SIMONA HALEP: We did lately few times, but not very much. Well, I cannot say anything because we didn’t play.

It’s going to be a big challenge for me. It’s just another match. I’m used to play with Romanians. Of course, it’s going to be a tough one. She’s a great player.

I’m just looking forward for the day off tomorrow and I will think about the match after.

Q. With your new coaching setup, you were saying it’s weird to have a coach younger than you, how does that work? If you play Gauff, Sorana, other players, do you go to that match with your own scouting report? Does he have input, because you are a very experienced player.

SIMONA HALEP: I am. I can say I am. If he’s in my team means that I am talking to him. We do a plan before the matches. We talk what I should do, what I have to do.

So the whole team from this academy is great to me. I really enjoy the time that I spending with them. Yeah, looks good so far.

Yeah, I’m looking forward actually to get to know him better because it’s only 10 days, 12 days to go. I cannot say much. But I feel good.

Q. How do you balance what you want to know about your opponent and how you focus on doing your best?

SIMONA HALEP: I think we know each other now for so many years. It’s not that I’m focusing on the opponent when I’m playing, I’m focusing more on myself. I don’t struggle with that.

Of course, before the match you talk with your team about how she’s playing lately or what she has better, what she doesn’t have that good.

But I think all the players are super good in this level. You have mostly to focus on yourself and to try to do your best every time you step on the court. I think it’s more about you than your opponent.