WTA Washington: Simona Halep with a successful start - and great trust in Mouratoglou
The ex-world number one Simona Halep (WTA No. 16) got off to a good start at the WTA 250 tournament in Washington. She has previously found words of praise about her new coach.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Aug 01, 2022, 08:22 pm
Halep beat Spain's Cristina Bucsa (WTA No. 123) 6-3, 7-5 in the main draw opening match. She now meets the winner of the game between Madison Brengle and Anna Kalinskaya.
On the fringes of the tournament, Halep again gave a big vote of confidence in coach Patrick Mouratoglou - and the prospect of working with the star coach in the long term.
Halep actually started with Mouratoglou on a trial basis in the spring when he was still Serena Williams' head coach. Since the American had not played for a long time, Mouratoglou should only spend the meantime with Halep. This has now resulted in a lasting bond.
Halep on Mouratoglou: "Bringing back the joy of tennis"
Meeting Mouratoglou "was the best thing that could have happened to me," enthused Halep before the tournament started. Above all, she praised the coach's energy, friendliness, experience and advice. "He brought me back the joy of tennis," said Halep - and he gave her the ability to love to work hard, "which I've never been able to do before."
Mouratoglou has currently not only taken over the training, but also the trappings, such as PR work and Co., as Halep confirmed. "It's all Mouratoglou, the whole team. I trusted him from the first second," admitted Halep. "I knew very little about him before. We hadn't met, hadn't spoken before I came to his academy in April. But I trusted him and I feel safe."