Simona Halep (33 years old) reacted at the end of the victory obtained against Arina Rodionova in the first round of the tournament in Hong Kong.
It was Simona Halep’s first victory in two years, two years during which doping suspension and injuries prevented her from competing, and our athlete revealed that she felt the pressure of the result, especially in the second set.
The pressure caused her to lower her level and lose the second set, but then she prevailed in the decider.
"It was a pleasure to play here. It's the first victory in two years. I feel very tired. I came here because I received a wildcard, I really like it, it's my first time in the city.
I felt a bit of pressure after the first set, I started to lower my level. I just want to recover, so I can play again tomorrow. I'm trying to take care of my body, and tomorrow I'll play again in front of the fans.
"I'm trying to get energy from people and bring it onto the court," Simona Halep said at the organizers' microphone after the match with Arina Rodionova.
Simona Halep's last win was recorded on August 17, 2022, at the Cincinnati tournament, against Anastasia Potapova, with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
In the next round, in Hong Kong, Simona Halep will play against Anna Blinkova (26 years old, 78 WTA).