THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2022

Simona Halep

Press Conference

S. HALEP/K. Flipkens

7-5, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Simona, do you want to share some initial thoughts.

SIMONA HALEP: Well, it's been a difficult match. It's never easy to play against her. I played many times, and she changes the rhythm.

So, yeah, I'm just enjoying the victory, and I'm looking forward for the next one to do better.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. A little bit of a different question. We're asking players if they could talk about the individual strokes in tennis, and the toughest, the most best people who are at different strokes. For instance, who has the best serve in your era, players that you have played?

SIMONA HALEP: Serve, Serena by far.

Q. The best forehand?

SIMONA HALEP: I would say that she has pretty good forehand also. Stephens, I would say she has a good forehand. Also with spin and powerful.

Backhand? Gauff. She's very solid.

What else?

Q. Return.

SIMONA HALEP: Many players are returning well. I mean, yeah, the tall ones are staying very close to the line and they are very aggressive. It's tough to find some names.

What else?

Q. Volley.

SIMONA HALEP: Volley? Muchova is not bad with the volley, the girl I played first round.

Q. In terms of movement or anticipation, speed?

SIMONA HALEP: Anticipation? Stephens. She reads the game very well.

Speed? I think Gauff again because she's super athletic.

Q. Finally, mental toughness?

SIMONA HALEP: So far Swiatek, I think she has a very strong mental.