Emma Raducanu and Simona Halep are the 2 top stars at the current WTA 250 in Cluj-Napoca. Halep is used to be at the center of attention in Romania, but this time she has to share the limelight with Emma. Raducanu is extremely popular in Romania because her father was born in Bucharest. In addition, she can also speak the local language for the delight of the crowd.
Simona was asked to comment about Emma’s success after her incredible US Open title. Halep commented:
“What Emma achieved is unbelievable, and it’s all credit to her because she played so well in New York and played so many matches. She has now the experience of winning the biggest tournaments in tennis.”
Simona thinks that Emma may break in the top10 pretty soon to say:
“Easily she can go into the top 10 sooner than everybody thinks because already she is close to that. She has a bright future and for sure, she will be one of the best players in the world. Even if she is so young, she feels the pressure. It’s normal. Everybody does.”
Finally, the Romanian added:
“She is super nice. She did something great and probably, it’s just my opinion, she will need some time to see how it is every week to be there. Then she will become stronger, much stronger.”
Raducanu in Napoca, ranking, and results in 2021
Now ranked no.23, the Brit has managed to achieve a compiled 24-7 match record in 2021. Raducanu is competing in Napoca where she overcame Polona Hercog 4-6 7-5 6-1.
Emma Raducanu will come up against the world no.106 Ana Bogdan in the 2nd
round. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far on the main tour.Raducanu clinched 1 title in 2021 at the U.S. Open. Raducanu was the runner-up in the Chicago.
Simona Halep in 2021
Ranked no.18, Simona played her last match on the 22nd of October when she lost to world no.7 Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-4 in the quarter in Moscow (draw).
Presently, during this year Halep achieved an overall 18-9 record. Simona Halep’s most significant performance of this season was reaching the semifinal in Stuttgart.
Emma Raducanu and Simona Halep have never played each other.
Emma Raducanu and Simona Halep |
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