By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday, July 6, 2022
On the first Tuesday of Wimbledon every year, the defending women’s singles champion opens play on Centre Court. It’s a special moment that Simona Halep never got to enjoy. After winning Wimbledon in 2019, the tournament was cancelled due to Covid in 2020. In 2021, she missed the tournament with an injury.
It seemed natural that she would get the honor this year at Wimbledon, with 2021 Wimbledon champion Ash Barty no longer active, but the honor instead went to Iga Swiatek.
No matter, says Halep, she can earn the opportunity in 2023 by winning the title this year. Riding a 12-match Wimbledon winning streak into her semifinal with Elena Rybakina, it doesn’t seem out of the question.
“At the start of the tournament I said this because I've been asked,” Halep said. “It is the only chance that I can open this tournament is to win again. I'm in the semis, but I'm still far. So I will take tomorrow as a new challenge, big challenge, and I will give my best. If there is a chance to win this tournament, I will take it. I will work hard to take it.”
Halep on grass - I feel stable on my feet
Halep improves to 29-8 at Wimbledon with her victory over Amanda Anisimova on Wednesday, and she has won 18 of her last 19 on the surface.
Just what is it that makes Halep such a lethal force on the surface?
“Grass is not an easy surface, and you have to really connect with it,” she said. “You have to get used to it.
“I like because it's fast I think. I feel it. I feel stable on the feet. My legs are pretty strong for this surface. Yeah, I like it because it's fast I think. Yeah, it's inside me. It's a good surface for me. I feel like my game fits it.”
On Facing Rybakina
Halep has still not dropped a set at Wimbledon. She will face Rybakina for the fourth time, and the second at a Slam. Halep retired of the first set against Rybakina in their first meeting, training 5-4. Since then she defeated Rybakina in a memorable final in Dubai, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), and last year she topped Rybakina in the third round at the US Open, 7-6(11), 4-6, 6-3.
“I know she's a big hitter. I played against her few times. I'm sure that she has a lot of confidence being in semis now here in Wimbledon,” Halep said. “But it's a new match, new challenge. I'm ready for it and I will try to give everything to take my chance.”