Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021 Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her quarter final match against Serena Williams of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021 Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her quarter final match against Serena Williams of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has opened up on the experience of going months without her Australian coach Darren Cahill. Cahill, who is based outside his native soil, couldn’t join her protege at the Australian Open, but that didn’t stop the current World Number 3 from reaching the quarter-final.
However, she ran into a buccaneering Serena Williams, who outgunned her in straight sets in the last-eight clash.
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Simona Halep says her coach was assisting her virtually
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Miami Open, the 29-year-old Halep said it wasn’t easy playing without her coach by her side. However, she added that with proper “understanding” and virtual assistance from Cahill, she managed to cope with the situation.
“It was a little bit tough to be like 3-4 months without him. But if we understand each other well then I have a big plus to keep going,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said.
Dream team! @Simona_Halep chats about her coach @Darren_cahill 🎾💪🏼 @MiamiOpen #MiamiOpen #MiamiOpen2021 pic.twitter.com/igZyX7DsOB
— Outside the Ball (@outside_theball) March 26, 2021
Halep added that even when he was not with her, Cahill followed her training drills and practice sessions virtually or on camera and was always at hand to pass on his inputs or advice.
“Also, he watches me on camera when I practice back home, which makes it easier. So, we are in a good place for now,” the Romanian said.
Simona Halep confirms her coach will join her after the Miami Open
Simona further confirmed that her coach has reached Miami and will join her team after the ongoing event.
“He is here and he will come (join her team) after this tournament and (be) more with us,” the World Number 3 said.
One of the top title contenders alongside defending champion and World Number 1 Ashleigh Barty and reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, Halep got a massive scare in her Miami opener from French star Caroline Garcia.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 2021, Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her second round match against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic REUTERS/Kelly Defina
After dropping the first set, the Romanian stormed back to win the next two at a canter and close out the match in her favor.
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She will take on Latvian Anastasija Sevastova for a place in the round-of-16 on Sunday.
