ROLAND GARROS

May 26, 2022

Simona Halep

Press Conference

Q. ZHENG/S. Halep

2-6, 6-2, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Tough young opponent today. Can you just talk us through the match a little bit.

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, it was a difficult one. I was playing well at the start. I had a break in the second set, but then something happened. I just lost it.

But she's playing well, and actually she played a good match in the end.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. You had the doctor out at a point. Curious what was going on with you physically and how much that was affecting you today?

SIMONA HALEP: Well, I didn't expect because it was just a panic attack. It happened (smiling).

I didn't know how to handle it, because I don't have it often. Yeah, I don't really know why it happened, because I was leading the match. I was playing well.

But just happened, and as I said, I lost it. I couldn't focus. After the match, was pretty tough. But now I'm good. I'm recovered, and I will learn from this episode.

Nothing like dangerous, in my opinion, but it happened. So it's good that now I can smile.

Q. You mentioned your opponent played a good match. What specifically did you think she did well today?

SIMONA HALEP: Well, I started to miss a little bit, and I didn't have the control of my body that well.

Yeah, I was not very coordinated on the court after that moment, so she took the opportunity. She took the chance. She was strong.

Q. I will try to explain myself, as well. What happened after the first set?

SIMONA HALEP: You never had a panic attack in your life? Never? You never had a panic attack in your life?

Q. Oh, if you knew.

SIMONA HALEP: So you should understand, then (smiling).

Q. Many, many. But, no, I'm sorry, trying not to get one now, but what do you want to learn from this loss?

SIMONA HALEP: It's just a tennis match, so I have to see it a little bit more relaxed. Probably put pressure on myself too much, because I really wanted to do well.

I felt good. I practice. I work hard. But just didn't happen, and probably I got a little bit of panic during that thinking, overthinking.

But I was leading, so there is no reason, in particular, why it happened. But it happened. So I have to accept it. It's something normal that everybody has.

I will be better next time, for sure. I don't have these things so it was new for me.

Q. Has this ever happened to you before in a match?

SIMONA HALEP: Not really.

Q. And what was the experience like the last couple hours, just trying to get your composure, get back to how you want to be?

SIMONA HALEP: I knew that I have just to calm down, because the doctors checked everything. Everything was perfect. Not really a reason, just mind.

Yeah, I got well okay and now I'm super good.

Q. Did you understand what was happening?

SIMONA HALEP: Yeah. Just panic.

Q. He asked if you understood what was happening. Would you say you understood on the court?

SIMONA HALEP: No.

Q. Did you ever like recover in your mind? You had like three or four more games to play towards the end. Did you ever feel better? Did the doctor visiting you put you at ease at all?

SIMONA HALEP: No, I didn't feel better during the match. If I would have felt better, I would have started to play a little bit better. No, I couldn't. That's why I said at the start I couldn't manage it, and I don't have many words about it. I just accept it, and I take it.

So it's part of the process, and I'm looking forward already to be better in that case if it's going to happen, but I hope not.

Q. How has your overall week been at Roland Garros? What does it tell you about the rest of the season?

SIMONA HALEP: Well, it was so short, I don't have many things to take. But tomorrow is a new day. I know it's like a cliché, but it's a new day, and I'll wake up motivated to keep working. Next tournament, I will have another chance, so I'm not giving up just because of today. I'm just happy to be good now, and to be able to play.

So no injury, which is really good. I struggled with injuries, so now I'm in a good place.