‘That Was Just a Panic Attack’ – Simona Halep Reveals What Went Wrong at French Open 2022

Simona Halep has endured turbulent times in the recent past. Last year, she split with her long-time coach, Darren Cahill. Subsequently, she had many changes to her coaching staff. Halep is battling an inconsistent run of form in the tournaments this season. Once a dominant force on the women’s circuit, the Romanian star hasn’t won a title after her victory at the Melbourne Summer Set 1.

At the ongoing French Open 2022, the 30-year-old had a disappointing second-round loss against Qinwen Zheng of China. After the match, she opened up about what went wrong on the court.

Simona Halep reviews her loss at the French Open 2022

During the post-match interview, the former World Number 1 talked about her condition during the match. She said, “That was just a panic attack. It doesn’t happen that much. I couldn’t focus anymore. Now it’s behind me and I can smile again.” 

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Further, she added, “I will learn from this episode. It was overthinking. I was leading. There was no reason. But it happened. I have to accept it. It happens to everybody.”

Ahead of the clay-court season, Patrick Mouratoglou joined Halep as her full-time coach. However, it hasn’t been an ideal start to this partnership. At the Madrid Open, she lost in the quarterfinal against Ons Jabeur. Subsequently, she lost in the second round of the Italian Open, a similar fate as in Roland Garros.

Halep bows out of the French Open 2022

It was an impressive come-from-behind victory by the 19-year-old Chinese, Qinwen Zheng. Halep began the match in dominant fashion, winning the opening set 6-2. However, the Chinese started playing aggressively to catch Halep off-guard.

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Halep’s breathing issues didn’t help her cause either, as she bowed out of the tournament, losing the third set 6-1. In the third round, Qinwen Zheng will take on Alizé Cornet of France. Can the Chinese continue her giant-killing run at the French Open 2022? Let us know your views in the comments below.