"My main principle is never give up" says Halep after overcoming back issue to win in Cluj-Napoca

Halep has been playing great tennis all week long in Cluj-Napoca but she took it to another level in her previous round match against Varvara Gracheva. Striking the ball incredibly well Halep was able to overcome a back issue that trouble her for the majority of the match. The Romanian even needed an off-the-court MTO but after returning she was able to still win 6-2 6-4.

After the match she said:

"This is my main principle and main goal, to never give up, so I do what I can"

She certainly did not give up and even played better than before striking the ball harder and with more precision. Halep also admitted that she will always try to keep going especially if she knows it can't get any worse than it is:

"Sometimes even if it's painful, if it hurts, you have to continue when you know it cannot be worse. It's just a back block - I've had it before and I know how to manage it, I think. I just keep playing. Sometimes I lose these matches, sometimes I stop - but today I felt being at home I had to fight more."

Her next challenge will be fellow Romanian Cristian who has been also playing stellar tennis so far. Like Halep she likes to hit the ball hard so Simona will have to be on her best if she wants to move to the semifinal.