Simona Halep: 'Roger Federer gave me autograph and shared encouraging words'

World no. 2 Simona Halep is preparing for the new season, playing five tournaments in 2020 and winning back-to-back titles in Dubai, Prague and Roland Garros. In her recent interview, Simona spoke about her first contact with Roger Federer, asking the leading tennis star for an autograph while still a junior. Roger signed Simona's badge and spoke with her for a moment, offering supportive words to the youngster and making her thrilled and motivated to push even harder. Recognized as one of the Tour's most consistent players, Simona became world no. 1 in October 2017 despite not having Major trophies on her tally. Questioned by many, Halep had to deal with much pressure before lifting the first Major crown at Roland Garros 2018, adding another at Wimbledon a year later following that impressive triumph over Serena Williams. Roger Federer was there to defend Simona before that Parisian success, calling her a deserved world no. 1 and a dedicated and all-round player.

As we already said, Simona Halep embraced a light schedule due to the coronavirus outbreak, skipping Cincinnati and the US Open and staying on clay. Following a tight Australian Open semi-final loss to Garbine Muguruza, the Romanian rattled off 17 consecutive victories, conquering Dubai, Prague and Rome before falling to Iga Swiatek in the Roland Garros fourth round. It was Simona's last match of the season, and she took a break before returning to the practice court ahead of the upcoming duties in Melbourne in February. Roger Federer played only one tournament in 2020, reaching the Australian Open semi-final and missing the rest of the year following two knee surgeries in February and May.

Simona Halep shared thoughts about her first meeting with Roger Federer.

After the second, Roger decided to throw 2020 away and work on a fresh start ahead of 2021. The Swiss is currently in Dubai with his coach Ivan Ljubicic, working on his game and testing his knee ahead of the first Major of the season that starts on February 8 in Melbourne.

"I didn't know how to react when I asked him; I timidly handed him my badge, and I asked him if he could give me an autograph. He was very kind and shared a few encouraging words with me, even though he was already the leading tennis star," Simona Halep said.

"Not for a second should you ever take away anything from Halep, who's worked her life to achieve a life-goal dream. It's not only about Major events; she's played a full season. She's tough, fit, playing all the time, she practices hard and with commitment, which also should be rewarded," Roger Federer said about Simona Halep in 2017.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ruXhRd