A Romanian survey of over 100.000 people revealed that Simona Halep, who is now 32 years old, has a 50% chance of winning another Grand Slam. The survey‘s results were published on Monday by Romanian sports publication Digi Sport. The data is relevant in the context that Halep will make her comeback on the court after reducing the 4-year suspension caused by her roxadustat contamination. Before getting a shot at another Grand Slam in the summer, the two-time champion has to battle her way to the top of the rankings, so she increases her chances of getting an easy draw in the future slams. At the unfolding Miami Open, Halep faces Paula Badosa.
Halep’s tough draw under question
Simona Halep had a nightmare draw in Miami, but chances are she will get a clearer path since Aryna Sabalenka may withdraw following her boyfriend’s sudden death.
WTA1000 Miami main singles draw pic.twitter.com/xwQQ5b3UoL
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) March 17, 2024
The match against Badosa won’t be a walk in the park either since the Spanish player is a former world number 2. However, Badosa is certainly not at 100%. She has been struggling with an injury that forced her to withdraw from Dubai and refrain from participating at Indian Wells.
Paula Badosa© Teledeporte – X
“So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament. I tried everything to be able to play but wasn’t enough,” Badosa wrote in a message posted on her Instagram Story.
“I’m having a very difficult time with my injury but I’m fighting everyday to come back as soon as possible. I wanna thank the fans that are sticking with me, specially this past year. I’m sorry l haven’t given what you are expecting from me and I’m just giving you sad news lately. (Trust me is the last thing | want also I also want to thank the tournament for the WC, you are the best tournament in the world see you next year.”
Besides, Badosa is probably affected by Sabalenka’s loss as well. The two players are very good friends.
Badosa and Sabalenka© Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport
“I always say I learn a lot from her, she inspires me. And I can get to say she’s my closest friend so it’s very nice to share the court with her,” Badosa said.
Sabalenka also expressed her love for Badosa in the past.
“It is very difficult. It doesn’t happen very often that you can find your soulmate on the circuit because we compete against each other. But we had this deal: on the court we are opponents, we can shout whatever we want, but off the court we are friends again. We can take a day, depending on who wins, to accept the fact that one of us lost, but then we become friends again. It’s hard, and I’m super happy to have her. She is a very nice girl and having her by my side is very important to me.”
Here are just a few moments they shared:
Aryna Sabalenka posts selfie with Paula Badosa and asks two important questions
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to video of Paula Badosa playfully touching her leg at WT
Sabalenka and Badosa dance wildly: is it the video of the year?
Halep is likely to have a successful comeback
No matter the opponents, Halep gave signs that she’s in good shape. “First day back, thank you @miamiopen,” Halep captioned her Instagram Story from Miami. “Feels like I never left (face with tongue out emoji).”
In addition, the Romanian trained for a full week in Miami before making her comeback.
Also, let’s not forget that Halep emphasized her eagerness to “rejoin the tour with renewed vigor and an invigorated spirit,” right after she announced her legal victory against ITIA.
“I’m thrilled to let you all know that I will be making my return to the WTA Tour in two weeks at the @miamiopen! Thank you to the tournament for giving me this opportunity and I cannot wait to be back on court and competing. See you all soon!” Halep also announced on Instagram.
Hours before the Badosa encounter, Halep shared an inspirational quote on her Instagram Stories. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary,” the message read.
All in all, we are going to have to wait a couple of months until Halep gets another shot at a Grand Slam trophy. Roland Garros is set to start on 20 May.
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