Angry Halep crashes out of Hong Kong Open, tries to ‘take positives’ from defeat
Former world No 1 Simona Halep is still trying to rediscover her form after battling back from a drug ban and injury
Former world No 1 Simona Halep was sent crashing out of the first round of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Monday, losing in straight sets to China’s Yuan Yue, 6-3, 6-3.
The 33-year-old cut an angry figure under the floodlights at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium’s centre court, hitting her racquet against the floor after Yuan won the advantage to go 5-2 up in the first set and often shouting at herself in Romanian.
And it was a frustrating day for the two-time grand slam champion, who, in only her fourth event this year, came up against the tournament’s sixth seed and threw away a three-game lead in the second set.
Following the match, Halep could be seen sitting on the floor outside the players’ gym with her head in her hands. She then left without attending a previously arranged post-match press conference.
She later agreed to answer questions from the media sent to her by the tournament’s organisers via WhatsApp.
“The opponent was playing really well, and she had confidence. She hit the ball in the important moments, and she got the points,” Halep said.
