'New Simona Halep' shaping up as surprise French Open contender with Madrid Open run ahead of Ons Jabeur meet
It was around this time last year that Simona Halep said she was “filled with sadness” after having to withdraw from the French Open due to a calf injury. It was a setback that pushed Halep close to retirement – “I thought at 30 I would be done” – and left her doubting that she would rediscover her best form. But 12 months down the line, the mood has shifted significantly; there’s excitement and optimism around Halep rather than sadness.