Simona Halep hires former coach Daniel Dobre ahead of Miami
The world no. 3 and Roland Garros champion Simona Halep had split with the long-term coach Darren Cahill in November, entering the new season without the coaching staff and seeking for the best solution in the four months. Recovering from a back injury that ruined the last few months of 2018, Simona lost in the opening round of Sydney and the fourth round of the Australian Open, leading Romania against the Czech Republic and reaching the final in Doha where Elise Mertens defeated her in three sets. Simona worked with Thierry Van Cleemput there for a week, heading to Dubai and Indian Wells without a coach and finding the long-term solution ahead of Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Romanian has announced Daniel Dobre as her new coach, adding a familiar face to her coaching staff as she worked with him before and during Cahill's tenure. In the press conference before Miami, Simona has stated that she can't change the game technically or tactically after 20 years in the sport, emphasizing connection as the central element she seeks from the new coach. Asked about an 18-year-old Bianca Andreescu who won Indian Wells crown on Sunday, Simona praised the young Canadian, having a chance to practice with her in Montreal three years ago and remembering saying to Andreescu she is strong enough to make the appearance on the Tour in a few years.
Also, Halep mentioned the other upcoming girls, saying she feels "old" in comparison to them but finding exciting and encouraging the fact we have seen all the different winners on the Tour since the start of the season, as it certainly looks different to the time Serena was winning everything. With the new coach in her box, Simona Halep will make Miami debut against Johanna Larsson or Taylor Townsend, seeking the first title since Montreal last summer.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2CwRanF
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