Simona Halep (32 years old) marked her return to the women's circuit, at the Miami Open, without a coach on staff. But he formalized his decision regarding a technician, a very surprising one, after the match with Paula Badosa, as Adevărul wrote here.
Carlos Martinez, while training Daria Kasatkina
Simona's collaboration with the new coach, the Spaniard Carlos Martinez (49 years old), will begin with the Romanian's return to Europe, most likely after the middle of April. Until then, Martinez spoke to journalists from Puntobreak, and Eurosport took over the statements of Simona Halep's new coach.
What did Carlos Martinez say?
*The fact that Simona was so determined to work with me was what convinced me. If she is that interested, I am as much or more. Just last week I had rejected another very interesting project, but here we are talking about Halep, a top player, I had to take this step.
*I saw that things are very clear to her, at this point I don't have to show her how things are done, she already comes with that foundation of so many years of experience. She is a player with a lot of personality, she has a strong character and knows perfectly what she wants. I still don't know her that well, I just know she's a good girl. But from what Darren Cahill told me, she's also very picky.
*Adrenaline, everyone's desire, matters a lot, but it would be logical for the adjustment to take some time. We are talking about a person who has not competed for more than a year and a half, it will not be a quick process, but I prefer to stay with the positive aspects. First of all, Simona has an ambition that moves mountains. Now is the time to meet and start working on all the chapters, both tennis and physical. It will be three weeks with a lot of preparation to get to the clay season well, not forgetting to be careful not to get injured.
Romania at Miami Open, first round
*Halep (unranked) – Badosa (80 WTA)
6-1, 4-6, 3-6
*Jaqueline Cristian (82 WTA) – Parry (54 WTA)
6-7, 2-6
*Ana Bogdan (66 WTA) – Siniakova (42 WTA)
2-6, 4-6
Sorana Cîrstea (24 WTA), top seed, will debut directly in the second round, going to meet Sloane Stephens (41 WTA), on Friday, after 17.00 (Digi Sport 2).
