Halep posts emotional message to fans following Rome defeat

Despite falling in the second round of the Internazionali BNL D'Italia Rome event, Simona Halep remained positive as she posted a heartwarming message on social media following the loss.

The Romanian fell to Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins in straight sets, but looks to have put that behind her. Halep recently began working with Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams and the pair seem to have the French Open in their sights. Nonetheless, after her loss, Halep took to Instagram to post a picture of herself alongside Mouratoglou, with the caption:

"Throughout all my career I fought for what I believed in and what I wanted to achieve. I will always do so through the ups and downs. The unconditional support that I receive from many of you means the world to me. Thank you, the fight goes on."

The former World No.1 made an impressive run in Madrid last week, losing to eventual champion Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals. Having lifted the French Open title in 2019, Halep is a dark horse to reach the later stages of this year's event.