The french open has made a vigorous first step in its second week by having Simona Halep make a compelling statement against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain. Their encounter was the first of the day at Philippe-Chatrier. Although not full to its capacity, Roland Garros' biggest stage proved to be fertile soil for the Romanian player who is now in the last eight stages.
Playing her previous three matches on the Suzanne Langlen court, adjustments were quickly made as she stormed past an excellent clay court player. Moreover, it's the first time Halep has topped Suarez Navarro on a clay court.
Today, the 25-year-old fourth seed was very dominant, losing only two games throughout the match.
Simona Halep got past Suarez-Navarro in two symmetrical sets
The encounter lasted for a bit over an hour with Halep prevailing by 6-1 6-1. The score allows no sideways interpretation. It was all about Halep covering the ground so well, eventually forcing her opponent to take further risks aiming for the lines of the field. Despite making a lot of unforced errors, Halep balanced the sheet by producing a solid first serve and a consistent game from the baseline. On the other side of the net, Suarez Navarro had a horrific day by making a huge load of errors with her backhand (presumably her best shot).
Feeling a bit under the weather, her odds quickly plunged.
Their previous meeting on a clay court occurred back in 2015 in the Rome semifinals. Then, the scenario was partially the same as today. Halep won the opening set by 6-2 only to lose the next two. But today she left nothing on the table for her opponent. A little bit of confusion at the start of the second set was quickly sent away by tremendous shot-making.
Now, the head to head stats are 7-5 for Halep as she broke another past limitation.
The first Grand Slam and the world no. 1 seat are 3 spots away
Reaching the quarterfinals is the second best result at the French Open. Back in 2014, Simona Halep was a runner-up losing to Maria Sharapova in the final. Three years ago, the Romanian was just another fresh name making her way to the top.
Now, the stakes are higher. If she wins the French Open she will become the new world no. 1. She will fight against Elina Svitolina for a place in the semis where Karolina Pliskova seems most likely to emerge. Pliskova is also in the race as she must reach the final in order to seize the world no. 1 seat.
For Simona Halep things seem to be on the right path following a meltdown couple of months ago in Miami. Since then, her game has been subject to constant improvements propelling her to the top of the game.
