Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep had a bit of a fun during her practice session as coach Patrick Mouuratoglou posted a clip in which Halep can be seen hitting only a one-handed backhand. Halep, a former world No. 1, plays a two-handed backhand so seeing her play a one-handed backhand repeatedly was interesting.
Meawhile, Halep and Mouratoglou debuted as a duo in Madrid. When Halep went to the Mouratoglou Academy for a training block before Indian Wells, she offered Mouratoglou a coaching job. Mouratoglou couldn’t accept at first because he was still listed as Serena Williams’ coach.
Mouuratoglou visited Williams during Indian Wells and, after a chat with the 23-time Grand Slam champion, he decided to accept Halep’s offer.
Halep feels comfortable around Mouratoglou
Halep admitted that she is quiet and introverted, while Mouratoglou is the complete opposite.
Still, Halep feels really comfortable around Mouratoglou. “I like it because he has a lot of energy,” Halep told WTA insider. “He’s super open to everybody, so I have to learn that because I’m quiet and introverted.
But no, I love his personality. It’s easy for me. “Actually, he does more pictures than me with the fans! That’s good.” Meanwhile, Halep made a positive start to her Rome campaign as on Monday she defeated Alize Cornet 6- 4 6-4 in the first round.
Halep broke Cornet in the opening game of the match but got broken back in the following game. After blowing her first break, Halep continued to pressure Cornet as she claimed breaks in the third and fifth games to open a 5-1 lead.
Cornet got one break back in the eighth game but Halep made no mistake when serving for the first set in the 10th game. After winning the first set, Halep earned the first break of the second set in the third game. Halep got broken back in the fourth game but broke Cornet again in the fifth and seventh games to open a 5-2 lead. Halep failed to serve out for the match in the eighth game but managed to close out the match two games later.