By Richard Pagliaro
Simona Halep says pursuing Grand Slam titles and an Olympic medal take priority over regaining the world No. 1 ranking.
The third-ranked Romanian resides in the top half of the Miami Open draw along with world No. 1 and defending champion Ash Barty. Halep met the media in Miami today and shared her major aspirations.
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“The ranking—maybe it’s not good to say—but it doesn’t matter that much in this position because I’ve touched No. 1 and I know how it is—I’ve been there many weeks,” Halep said. “For me, the goal is the Grand Slams and also the Olympics this year because I really want to have a medal for my career.
“So now I’m looking more for the tournaments than the ranking.”
A year ago, Halep amassed a career-best 17-match winning streak starting in Dubai and ending in Rome in September when she won her third title of the season, equaling Aryna Sabalenka for most WTA titles in 2020.
Returning to action for the first time since bowing to Serena Williams at the Australian Open, Halep concedes she’s feeling some shoulder soreness, but remains optimistic for a deep run in South Florida.
“The challenge is big and I always wanted this tournament becasue it’s a nice tournament and good conditions all the time,” Halep said. “The weather is nice. I feel good. I had semis [in Miami] when I won Indian Wells I had semis after. Now I’m struggling a little bit with the shoulder, but still I’m here.”
Photo credit: TK Sparta Praha/Prague Open