Simona Halep gives exclusive chat with Roland Garros fans

Some lucky fans had a chance to have a virtual chat with Simona Halep this week. From her biggest idol to toughest opponent, the two-time Grand Slam champion candidly answered a range of questions in a new Roland Garros series, Chatting with Fans.

Gauri from New Delhi asked Halep about her favorite parts of Paris and Roland Garros.

“I like the clay there. I like the courts, and the Philippe Chatrier court is my favorite court in the world,” Halep said. “And the feeling that I could win in juniors and also professional tennis made me feel like home there and it is my favorite Grand Slam.”

Bello from Lagos, Nigeria asked the 2018 Roland Garros champion how it felt to finally lift her maiden major hardware.

“I had two finals before and the second one was really bad for myself. I mean I got a little bit depressed after that match because I was leading so much and I couldn’t finish it in my way,” Halep revealed. “And three months I was crying and suffering for that match. But then I think that match got me stronger and the next year I was able to win it and it was like nothing mattered anymore. I just embraced all the emotions that I had.

“The crowd was unbelievable with me. They showed me much love and also appreciation for what I have done in that tournament the past years. And to win the first Grand Slam made it like my career completed. So I was really happy in that moment.”

Teona, who, like Halep, is from Romania, wanted to know how she handles tough matches.

“I worked with a psychologist on that part, on the mental part, and it helped me to get more confident in myself," Halep answered. "To trust that I’m able to do great things. And then when I face a challenge during the match, I embrace it and I start fighting natural now.”

Asked what she thinks of the new Court Philippe-Chatrier, she said, “I like it. I can say I have a better feeling for the old one because I won there, but still it is amazing what they did.”

Who is the former world No. 1's biggest idol?

"Justine Henin. She was my idol for many years, and I was very happy to meet her two years ago," Halep said of the four-time Roland Garros champion.

Her toughest opponent?

"Definitely it's Serena Williams because she is huge in this sport, great champion, and it's always tough emotional and physical to meet her."

It’s pretty obvious why the 29-year-old has a genuine affinity for the terre battue, for it has long been the site of some of her career's greatest triumphs: her junior Grand Slam title in 2008, first major final in 2014, and first major title in 2018.

Currently ranked No. 3, Halep kicks off her Madrid campaign later this week as the two-time tournament champion looks to return to the winner’s circle.