Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep crashed out of the 2022 Dubai Open in the semi-finals. Halep was beaten by Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in three sets. The former World No.1 looked in good shape as she reached the semi-finals without dropping a set. However, it was Ostapenko’s powerful game that took the match away from Halep. 

Even though the Romanian is having a decent run since the start of the 2022 season, a former Fed Cup coach thinks otherwise. Post Halep’s loss in Dubai, former player Ilie Nastase expressed his viewpoint suggesting Halep to play few tournaments going forward. 

Ilie Nastase gives his take on Halep’s performance in WTA Dubai Open 

Nastase hopes that Halep focuses on winning slams as he said, “I want Simona to play fewer small tournaments, it is much more important to be rested and 100% in big tournaments.”

Taking a cue from his own career, he further added, “I wouldn’t play small tournaments before a Grand Slam tournament. Every athlete knows how it’s better.”

Halep had an injury-plagued 2021 season. She faced a calf injury in the second round of the Italian Open. Coming back 3 months later, Halep played few tournaments. However, the run was short as she had troubles with her knee before the semi-final match at the WTA Linz Open which forced her to end the season abruptly.

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Nastase also highlighted the importance of recovery for Halep before returning to the court. “She needs to rest a little and take more time after injuries and not return immediately if she’s not completely recovered. That’s the problem. Wait longer to recover, but you know you won’t get injured again.”

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Ilie concluded by presenting his thoughts on Halep’s chances of winning another Grand Slam title.

“Simona has a good chance of winning another Grand Slam tournament. She’s up there and it doesn’t matter the ranking. But if she uses her physique so much a lot, because we know that she also has injuries to his ankles, especially on slag, where she has to run… “

Return of Simona Halep in 2022

After ending her 2021 season in November due to a knee injury, the former World No.1 started her 2022 season with a successful comeback. Kicking off her season at the WTA Melbourne Summer Set 1, she claimed the title dropping just one set in the whole tournament. 

She entered the Australian Open and reached the fourth round without dropping a set. However, it was France’s Alize Cornet who stunned the Romanian in the pre-quarters.  

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