"I had to fight" says Simona Halep after win over Elena Rybakina

Simona Halep and Elena Rybakina played an epic match at the US Open with Halep pulling out the win in the end.

Simona Halep needed to dig deep and go to 3 sets in order to best Elena Rybakina who played a great match. Halep remained calm in the final set and won mainly due to her experience against the sill young Rybakina. After the match she said:

“Definitely it was a very tough match, I knew before it was going to be very difficult because I played against her before. Elena is powerful and putting pressure on the opponent. I had to be strong, calm and fight at the end because I still have a chance to win.”

For Halep victories like this are important as the Romanian is slowly building confidence after returning from injury last month. She said:

“Every day I am building confidence, it’s difficult to not play a match for four months then play at the highest level against top players but I am enjoying playing in front of a crowd, it’s always a pleasure. I missed everyone, thank you for coming.”

She will face Elina Svitolina next and on that Halep said:

"I wish to have an easier match but at this level it’s impossible, I am focussed and know every day it’s going to be a tough battle so I’m looking forward to giving my best again. I have nothing to lose, I just want to enjoy I’m in New York.”