Halep's dream comes true with new Nike deal

DOHA — While there's been some doubt about whether or not Simona Halep will take the court for the Qatar Total Open, the world No. 2 appears ready to rock.

Ahead of her Wednesday start, Halep said, "My mind is set on the health first. I have to be very sure that the foot is okay and I can push. I'm ready because I practiced a few days. So I feel that I'm ready to play, but tomorrow I will see exactly how it is."

Halep rolled her ankle early at the Australian Open, and hasn't played since then. The Romanian is sporting a new look—the Nike swoosh—after parting ways with Adidas at the end of 2017. She has practiced in Nike, but has yet to compete in a match outfit.

"I'm really happy that I have this deal. I can say it was a dream since I was a kid, because it's really good company and big company," Halep said. "So I'm looking forward actually tomorrow to play with the outfit the first match. I'm sure I will be nervous, but it's a good feeling, and I'm happy to be in their family."

The Australian Open finalist played her first two tournaments of 2018—which included a singles and doubles title in Shenzhen—in a red padel tennis outfit. The Qatar Total Open billboards plastered all around the city feature her in that same brand-less getup.

But now, Halep's clothing saga is firmly behind her, as she gets to focus on shopping for pleasure instead of work. Luckily, Doha has plenty of shopping malls to entice her.

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