What’s next for Simona Halep after her return to tennis?…
MIAMI — Simona Halep wasn’t sure what to expect at her first tournament in 18 months this week at the Miami Open. Following a tough first-round loss in three sets to Paula Badosa, the former World No. 1 and three-time major champion still managed to keep a smile on her face.
“Someone told me, ‘If I get $1 for your every smile, I will be rich at the end of the day,'” Halep told WTA Insider. “I smiled a lot because I get so much love from people.”
Earlier this month, Halep was cleared to return to tennis with immediate effect after her four-year ban for an anti-doping violation was reduced to nine months as a result of her recent appeal to the Court for Arbitration for Sport.
Eager to get back to action as soon as possible, Halep scrambled to get ready to play Miami, where she was given a main-draw wild card.
“When I entered the first time on the court, I told the guys that I was with, and it seemed like I never left,” Halep said. “So I have a good feeling coming back. I love tennis, so probably this makes it easier.”
Halep spoke to WTA Insider after her Miami return to discuss her emotions surrounding her return to tennis, what she has in store for her comeback and why her love for the sport never wavered.
WTA Insider: How were the emotions and nerves for you as you prepared for your return?
Halep: Actually, when I was on the plane, I told my mom that I was super nervous because I didn’t know what to expect from people. When you have such a difficult period, you don’t know how people will see it or treat you.
But the first day, it was incredible. So then the stress went out and I didn’t stress myself in this direction. I knew that on the court it’s going to be good. The crowd was incredible today again. So the love I received, it’s even more than anything that I had until now.
