"It's a joy so I'm more relaxed" says Simona Halep on her tennis career

Simona Halep has always been a fiery competitor and while that will never change her attitude towards the game has changed a bit. Halep turned 30 in September which for an athlete can be a daunting thing. While athletes now play into their thirties Halep has matured quite a bit over the last couple of years seeing things differently at this stage of her career.

She said:

"I see tennis differently in this stage of my life, and it's more joy, so I'm more relaxed. I don't put pressure on myself, so I will try to keep that during the matches, which is not easy, but I'm here just to give my best chance, so we will see."

Speaking on practice she admitted:

"In practice, I'm really good. I win some sets. I practice more than normal. I can stay two hours a day on the court, which was not easy in the past."

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Halep struggled with injuries last year and many wondered just how much longer she will be able to play but she feels she had several years left:

"I thought about it being close to the end, but honestly after this pre-season and how I feel right now at the tournament, I feel like I have a few more years to play. My husband is supporting me in that direction, my family as well. My team says I'm still good enough to go there and compete, so I'm not thinking about retirement yet. I just want to enjoy and give my best because I know there is another chance."