Simona Halep is forever grateful to those who have supported her throughout her tennis journey. The former World No. 1, who has been working hard to regain her form since returning to the court at the 2024 Miami Open, has faced a tough road. It’s been three years since her last title at the Melbourne Summer Set 1, and the Romanian star is still searching for her next big victory. Her career took a hit after the doping controversy surrounding the banned substance Roxadustat during the 2022 US Open.

Initially handed a four-year ban, Halep fought back and successfully reduced the suspension to just nine months. But since then, she’s been keeping her head high even without a coach to guide her through it all. After a breakout season in 2014, where she reached her first major final, she teamed up with Darren Cahill in 2015. This was a game-changer! Cahill helped Halep transform her mindset, turning her fiery self-criticism into a kinder approach.

Their journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was a dramatic split in 2017 after a tense Miami Open moment, but they reunited just in time for Halep to snag her first Grand Slam at the 2018 French Open. Fast forward to 2021, and they decided to part ways after an incredible six-year run. Despite the split, the Romanian star has always credited Cahill for not just shaping her tennis skills but also for fostering her growth as a person. Coming into 2025, she still holds onto the gratitude for his teachings, speaking to the Romania publication Tikitaka, she said, “I say this with full conviction… Darren Cahill is the best coach at the moment.”

Coming back onto the court was no easy feat. After her suspension, Halep returned to the 2024 Miami Open after being given a wild card. She fought hard against Paula Badosa but lost in the end. Her return was marred further when she had to withdraw from another tournament despite winning against McCartney Kessler due to injury concerns.

Halep’s knee injury has been a major roadblock in her career. She was compelled to pull out of the 2025 Australian Open at the beginning of this season due to the same. However, she never misses an opportunity to praise Cahill for all he’s done and is doing!

Simona Halep congratulates Cahill on his success with Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner, currently coached by Darren Cahill, recently triumphed at the 2025 Australian Open. The Italian juggernaut successfully defended his title with a straight-sets victory over Alexander Zverev, winning 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. Afterward, Halep took to Instagram to show her support for Darren Cahill, who has been instrumental in Sinner’s rise. She posted a touching message saying, “@dc10s so happy for you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 #thebestcoach 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼” It’s clear that Cahill’s coaching prowess is making waves in the tennis world. And it’s great to see players supporting each other like this.

This comes after Halep expressed her feelings about Sinner’s doping controversy. She noted the unfair treatment she received compared to him and WTA’s Iga Swiatek. The Italian World No.1’s journey has received some mixed feelings about partial treatment due to his top ranking. After testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024, Sinner initially received a “no fault or negligence” ruling from the ITIA, which allowed him to keep competing. Halep amongst other players who dealt with the same issue found it unfair.

However, WADA wasn’t satisfied and appealed this decision in September, seeking a ban of up to two years. It is safe to say that Cahill has always been a strong support system for his players. In March 2024, he shared his unwavering belief in Halep during her tough times owing to the 9-month ban. He stated, “To me, it’s been 18 months of torture. I’ve always believed in her. I’ve always believed she would never deliberately or knowingly take anything that was wrong or banned.” 

Since then, Halep has served her ban and is back in action at the Winners Open. She’s set to face Lucia Bronzetti tomorrow. Can she revive her winning streak this time around? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!