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French Open favorite Simona Halep mentioned Friday she was grateful to simply have the prospect to play at Roland Garros this 12 months after the tennis calendar was turned the other way up by the coronavirus pandemic. Delayed 4 months from its conventional spring billing, gamers should deal with vastly completely different situations and much cooler temperatures than they’re used to within the French capital. “To play Roland Garros in September, end of September, it’s a little bit weird,” mentioned Halep, the 2018 champion.
“But it’s nice that we have the chance to play at this tournament. We should actually thank everyone for fighting so hard to make it possible.”
The Romanian was amongst six prime 10 gamers to skip the latest US Open over Covid-19 fears, however the prolonged lay-off has not impacted her kind.
Halep comes into the competitors proudly owning a 20-2 file this season. She has gained her final three occasions, in Dubai earlier than the virus shutdown, after which titles on clay in Prague and Rome.
The prime seed begins her marketing campaign towards Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo and might return to the primary rating with a second French Open title.
With defending champion Ashleigh Barty opting to not play and US Open winner Naomi Osaka sidelined by harm, Halep is the one prime three consultant within the area right here.
“I’m honoured to hear that I am the favourite, people thinking that I’m the favourite. But I don’t look in that direction,” mentioned Halep.
“It’s not extra pressure. I’m used to this kind of pressure because I’ve been No. 1 seeded in the past. I’ve been in this position,” she added.
“I take it as a normal tournament. So no extra pressure for me, it’s just a positive pressure that I have.”
Conditions are anticipated to be heavier with rain forecast for a lot of the primary week. Fortunately, the showpiece Philippe Chatrier Court will debut its new retractable roof.
Halep, unbeaten in 14 matches, is assured she is going to modify to no matter challenges come up.
“When it’s cold, it’s a little bit heavier and a little bit different. It’s a big difference between Rome and here, that’s for sure. 15 degrees less,” she mentioned.
“I feel the cold. I feel like struggling a little bit. But for everybody is the same.
“Every time I play on these courts I like as a result of they’re somewhat bit more durable and the ball bounces somewhat bit extra. The situations are good for me, for my part.”
Halep, who is also the Wimbledon champion, has reached the final in Paris on three occasions — in 2014, 2017 and 2018.
Maria Sharapova got the better of her in 2014 with a shock loss to unseeded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko three years ago.
Halep, however, eventually made her major breakthrough 12 months later when she beat Sloane Stephens for the title in Paris.
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“Every event I play, it is a dream to win it. French Open could be very particular as a result of it was the primary Grand Slam. It will keep without end like this,” said Halep.
“Every time I come right here I’ve the will to play nearly as good as potential and to go until the top. But as we all know, each match is a battle, each match could be very robust. I’m not enthusiastic about the title proper now.”
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