Simona Halep is on the comeback trail. If the Romanian stays healthy, she is a real title contender for the French Open.
Simona Halep title contender in Paris
Having suffered injury setbacks last season, Simona Halep is on the way back. Halep ended the 2021 season ranked number 20 in the world. The Romanian has shown consistency so far this season. Halep entered the Melbourne Summer Set 1, and claimed the title in straight sets.
The title in Melbourne was the Romanian’s 23rd WTA title. At the Australian Open, Halep made it to the fourth round, before being defeated by Alize Cornet in a tight three set match. The 30 year old then moved onto the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Halep progressed to the semifinal before falling to Jelena Ostapenko in another thrilling three set match. In Qatar, the Romanian lost in the first round. Her first early exit of the year. Indian Wells followed, and the 30 year old again went deep in the tournament.
A semifinal exit to the eventual champion Iga Swiatek capped a good event for the Romanian. Halep announced shortly after that Patrick Mouratoglou as her new full time coach. Halep is certainly discovering her old form. The former World #1 entered the Madrid Masters, losing in the quarterfinal Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian went on to win the title, so although a quarterfinal loss for Halep, another consistent performance.
In Rome, Halep avenged her Australian Open fourth round defeat, with a straight sets first round victory over Cornet. The Romanian is getting better and better as the season is progressing. Halep is hitting clay form just at the right time. With the French Open round the corner, and as the winner in 2018 the Romanian looks to be on course to be a strong contender.
Do not discount Halep, the Romanian can certainly still win a Grand Slam title. The 30 year old needs to stay healthy, avoid injuries and it is totally feasible for Halep to lift another Grand Slam trophy at Roland Garros. On current form, no one will be wanting to face Halep at the French Open, there is a strong chance that the Romanian will be the winner at the end of the event.
Main Photo from Getty.
