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Halep upbeat despite Serena loss, ranking threat
MELBOURNE, Jan 21, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – World number one Simona Halep on
Monday shrugged off a fourth-round loss to Serena Williams that ended her
Australian Open hopes and threatens her top ranking.
The Romanian top seed lost 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 but remained upbeat after a gutsy
display against 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams, who is on a mission
this year for a record equalling 24th title.
Halep, 27, a finalist in 2018, arrived at Melbourne Park on a five-match
losing streak, equalling the worst run of her career and trying to shake off
a back injury that curtailed her season.
After appearing listless through the early rounds, the French Open
champion lifted to defeat Venus Williams then played her best tennis of the
tournament against Serena after weathering an early onslaught.
When asked to rate her campaign she replied: “Close to 10.”
“I have the courage to say that, because I took the risk to stay home so
much (for off-season rest).
“I haven’t prepared for the highest level in tennis, but I didn’t play
bad, so I’m happy about the way that it’s been going this tournament. I take
only the positives. I had great matches.”
Halep was not concerned her fourth-round exit could cost her the number
one ranking, saying she preferred to concentrate on tournament results.
“The main goal is just to play as good as I can every match, to win every
match I play, so the ranking doesn’t really matter,” she said.
“At this stage I have to work hard to get the level back, to feel 100
percent every match. So I’ll work for that.”
As for her immediate plans, Halep said she would be resting up and closely
watching the rest of the season-opening Grand Slam.
“I’ll just go home, I will rest and I will watch tennis,” she said. “I’m
also curious about who is going to win.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/2010HRS