Simona Halep says Serena Williams’ loss of the No. 1 ranking position presents bigger opportunities for herself and other WTA players. Williams’ reign lasted three and a half years before Angelique Kerber supplanted her two weeks ago, just after the U.S. Open, with the German capturing two Grand Slams this season and reaching the final of a third.
With Williams not dominating like before, Halep sees a more competitive field at the top.
“I feel that everything, it’s open now,” she was quoted as saying during a pre-tournament press conference at Wuhan. “I feel that everyone has a chance to win a big tournament, to reach No. 1. Everyone has a chance to reach the top if we believe. And we started to believe more, I think.”
Much of that has to do with Williams's recent drop-off, Halep added.
"It's much easier to believe in yourself when you see that Serena is not there anymore, like, winning every [event]," she said.
Williams will not be in the draw to contend with at Wuhan, or next week's event at Beijing, as the new No. 2 has withdrawn from both tournaments, citing injury. She said she could still play the WTA Finals at Singapore.
Halep is the fourth seed at the loaded Wuhan Open.