Simona Halep looked in rather good shape in Toronto especially after she demolished Svetlana Kuznetsova in the 3rd round after she conceded only 3 games to the Russian (6-2 6-1).
However, even if the Romanian started to seem one of the top favorites to win the Rogers Cup, she suddenly imploded in the quarters after she lost the 1st set against a surprising Marie Bouzkova (6-4). Simona retired before playing the second set because of a problem to her left leg (Achilles).
The former world no.1 was apparently another “victim” of the fact that the North American swing is starting 1 week earlier than it used to be. Therefore, some players struggled to find the right time to prepare for the switch from grass to the hard courts.
Will Simona play in Cincinnati?
After Simona withdrew from the Rogers Cup, there were many doubts about her participation in Cincinnati where she is seeded no.4.
However, Halep surprised again and she sounded extremely optimistic to comment:
“I am very confident that I will play. I don’t think the pain I have will cause me to give up an entire tournament. I feel pretty good now; I had some treatment for a few days. Today I will try to play; I have not played at all since I finished the match in Toronto.”
Simona was the runner-up in 2018 when she lost a tough final against Kiki Bertens after she couldn’t convert a match point. About her chances this year in Ohio, Simona commented:
“I’m confident this year too, but it’s going to be a little different because of the injury. However, I will work and try to reach my best level.”
Simona will start her campaign in Cincinnati from the second round against either Ekaterina Alexandrova or Carla Suarez Navarro.
.@Simona_Halep out practicing with @darren_cahill looking on🎾 #Halep #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/avP9lEaZMs
— Michael Renz (@mrenzaero) August 12, 2019
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