SIMONA HALEP BLOG IN MADRID OPEN 2014. SIMONA INTO FINAL

HALEP TODAY. MUTUA MADRID OPEN

The Romanian speaks exclusively with Madrid-Open.com after reaching her first Mutua Madrid Open final, where she will take on Maria Sharapova. 

The names of the 2014 Mutua Madrid Open finalists are now known. Simona Halep, who experienced a turning point in her career while playing in the Spanish capital last year, is one them. After getting through her semi-final clash today, the Romanian sat down with Madrid-Open.com for an exclusive interview in which, among other things, she talked about the massive improvement in her game, reaching her first big final and what she will need to do to lift tomorrow’s title. 

 Congratulations, you’re now through to the Mutua Madrid Open final. How do you feel? 
Thank you. I’m really excited to be able to play here in the biggest final of my career. I feel good and I’ll be trying my best to win tomorrow. On several occasions you have said that something changed for you while you were playing at this tournament last year. That’s true. Mr Tiriac gave me a wild card and that was a huge help. I’ll never forget that it was here where I started to play really well. I really love this city and this tournament, and will be trying my best to win the title tomorrow. 

 You have come on a lot since last year. What aspects of your playing style have changed the most?
I’m more aggressive now, have better focus during points and fight to the very end of matches. My serve has also improved a lot, as has my movement around the court. I feel great and am enjoying ever minute on court. 

 Did you expect to reach the final when you came here? 
 No, I didn’t expect to be playing in tomorrow’s final. I wasn’t prepared for that here but you never know what will happen in tennis.
 I’m just really happy now because this is my best ever run in a tournament like this.