BNP PARIBAS OPEN

March 15, 2022

Simona Halep

Press Conference

S. HALEP/S. Cirstea

6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Can you talk to us about your match today?

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah. It's been a good match. I think I played super good in the first set. The second set I started to miss a little bit. But in the big picture it was a great match and I'm super pleased with the victory. It was not easy, but I'm enjoying now the match.

Q. When you play a countrywoman and somebody who you've known a long time, does it make it a bit easier, does it make it tougher, how do you approach those matches?

SIMONA HALEP: I think everybody has a little bit of stress when it's playing against a person that is from the same country. But I can say I'm used to it. I've played so many times with all the Romanians.

But with her I didn't play in the last 12 years, so it was something new. I didn't know actually what to expect. We practiced a few times only during the year, so it was really something new.

But I feel like I played perfect in the first set. I knew what I have to do.

The second set was a little bit tougher because I started to miss also. She started to play a little bit better. But I think it's a strong victory for me and I'm really happy that I could finish in two sets and that I could play like that.

Q. First player into the quarterfinals of the tournament. As you look ahead, how comfortable are you feeling?

SIMONA HALEP: I feel good. I feel happy that slowly I find my rhythm. I find the joy being on court, competing, and also fighting for every point I play.

Yeah. It doesn't matter really who is going to be the time, the first one in the quarterfinals, I know that now the matches are even tougher and since, yeah, we came here, every match was tough, but now it's going to be tougher. So I'm just taking the match from tomorrow. I will focus on that and I will give my best chance.

Q. There's always a lot of Romanian flags in the crowd when you play here. Did that feel any different today to share that with a fellow Romanian?

SIMONA HALEP: I always feel such a big support everywhere in the world I play, but here, yeah, it's pretty special because many Romanians are coming. I have great memories at this tournament. I feel great when I come here. So it's only a pleasure to be on court. So I'm super happy that I can play one more match.

Q. Your next match is going to be against Petra Martic. What are your thoughts coming into that match in the quarterfinals?

SIMONA HALEP: Well, we played the last time here in the same position, so I expect a tough battle. It's always tough to play against her. I will watch her a little bit, that match, and I will get ready.

Now I just want to enjoy the match from today and to relax. It's a long time until tomorrow.