As a French Open runner-up at the age of 22, Simona Halep gained her taste for success at Grand Slams early, but the popular Romanian hasn’t had a chance to experience much of it lately.
A surprise first round loser at the Australian Open, she also exited in the fourth round of Roland Garros.
A change of form was arguably due for the recent world No.2 and she appears to have struck it in the most convincing way at Wimbledon after a ruthless 6-1, 6-1 win over Italian veteran Francesca Schiavone.
It marked only the second time in six appearances that Halep has recorded back-to-back wins at the All England Club and was made all the more creditable by the fact that an Achilles injury meant she was unable to contest any lead-in event on grass.
“If you don't play matches before coming here, you are a bit stressed that you are not prepared like official for competition,” Halep admitted. “But I had many days practising here, playing points. So I was ready to start the tournament.”
It was hard to disagree after such a convincing display. Dominating from the very first game, Halep’s service breaks came quickly and often as Schiavone held serve just once.
There were brief glitches on her own serve as the Italian broke in the fourth game and threatened again late in the set. The longest game of the match featured six deuces and three break points, but they were easily saved by the cool Halep. It was the only hint of an opportunity that Schiavone would manage and she was unable to take it, the No.5 seed securing victory in an hour and five minutes.
“It was a good match,” said Halep, who now meets Kiki Bertens in the third round. “I played really well. I was very happy with the way that I mixed the game. She played sometimes soft. Sometimes she hit the ball (harder).”
That varied play from the crafty Romanian not only made for some quality viewing on No.2 Court but also underlined that her Achilles injury no longer appears an issue. Most of her 18 winners came from the baseline but she also moved easily and delivered with pinpoint accuracy when Schiavone drew her around the court.
Halep will need all of that court craft as she prepares to meet Bertens, who is high on confidence following her semi-final run at the French Open, where the Dutchwoman’s progress included wins over Angelique Kerber, Madison Keys and Timea Bacsinszy. Bertens earned her first third round appearance at Wimbledon with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Mona Barthel.
“It will be a tough one. I know her. She's in good form now (but) it's different here. It's grass,” said Halep, who has a 1-1 head-to-head record against Bertens, their last match occurring in 2012. “I played against her many years ago, so I don't know her very well. But it's gonna be a tough one. It's gonna be a good challenge for me. And why not? I have to believe that I can win it.”
Indeed, Halep has reason to be confident at The Championships having progressed to the final four in 2014. Asked to name her favourite match at Wimbledon, the Romanian didn’t hesitate. “Definitely (it) would be the first one on Centre Court in 2014. First round I played good tennis and first time on Centre Court, so (it) was amazing.”
Halep’s semi-final run that year was impressive, but she might be an even more improved competitor now. “I'm not very far (from that 2014 form) but it's a different situation,” she said.
“I'm two years older already, so it's a bit changed,” she added with a smile. “I feel good, I feel prepared. I feel my game, so I feel confidence. I just have to go on court and to play my best tennis.”
Follow the latest news and scores from Wimbledon 2016 on Wimbledon.com or Apple TV, or download the official IOS or Android apps for smartphone and tablet.