Simona Halep: "everything now comes as a bonus"

A year after capturing her first Grand Slam title in her fourth major final, defending French Open winner Simona Halep is no longer pulled down by the weight of becoming a major champion.

“It’s much better and much easier, because I have the title already. It doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen,” Halep said in her pre-tournament press conference on Friday. “Everything now comes as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again.”

The last time a WTA player successfully retained the Roland Garros title was in 2007, when Justine Henin lifted her third successive crown. In 2018, Jelena Ostapenko became just the second reigning champion to lose in the first round when she was ousted by Kateryna Kozlova. Halep is approaching her opportunity this year as one to appreciate, not run from.

“Mentally, I am pretty relaxed. I know [there’s] a little bit of pressure there, because I'm a defending champion, but it's first time when it happens,” said Halep. “I just want to take the positives. To be in this position I think is the best thing. So I won't complain about it.”

The Romanian is feeling upbeat after seeing the renovations on the grounds, getting in several practice sessions and taking part in Thursday’s draw ceremony. Halep opens her title defense against Ajla Tomljanovic. ​

“Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again, I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that. I had the picture, which is the best moment for me,” Halep said.

“I have practiced a lot with many players. I feel good. I feel the ball. I always liked the courts here. I had the chance to practice on Chatrier a few times, and I really enjoyed the practices there.”

Halep enters the French Open following a surprise exit in Rome, where she was upset by Marketa Vondrousova in the second round. The week prior, Halep finished runner-up to Kiki Bertens in Madrid.

"I have confidence," asserted Halep. "I don't count Rome this year. We leave it back," she said with a smile.