Halep ready to face Serena in the ultimate test

The first time Simona Halep stepped out onto court against Serena Williams, at Wimbledon in 2011, she felt instantly intimidated. Just 19, she was taking on a woman who had already won 13 grand slam titles and understandably felt a little out of her depth.

It says a lot about the Romanian’s character that she won the first set that day, eventually going down in three. Since then, she’s not had much luck against Williams, her lone win in eight other meetings coming in the group stages of the WTA Finals in 2014. Even then, having been trounced 6-0, 6-2 in that match, Williams turned it round when they met in the final, winning 6-3, 6-0.

Until they meet again

The pair will meet again on Monday in the fourth round of the Australian Open, earlier than usual due to Williams’ seeding of 16, while Halep is the world No 1 and now, after her win at Roland-Garros last summer, a grand slam champion.

As Mary Joe Fernandez, the former world No 4, who now commentates for ESPN, said: “It feels like a final.”

On paper, Halep might be considered favourite but the 27-year-old knows that history counts for a lot when it comes to the American, who is trying to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam wins.

A good off-season under her belt

“In my opinion, to be No 1 in the world and to be the best player in the world, it's a little bit different,” Halep said. “In this moment, I'm No. 1 in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks.

“But for sure she's the best player in the world because she won so many grand slams. She's been a lot on No 1. I cannot compare my results to her. But in this moment, I am confident that I am in this position, and I'm positive about it.”

Last year, when she returned in March, just over six months after giving birth to her daughter, Williams was short of full fitness, and yet she still managed to reach the final at Wimbledon and the US Open.

With the benefit of a good off-season under her belt, the 37-year-old Williams has looked sharp in her opening three rounds, moving well and dominating her three opponents.

No longer intimidated

“It will be great,” Williams said. “I haven't played the world No 1 since I've been back, I don't think. So it will be good.”

“I haven't played a lot since New York. But it is what it is. I'm here. I've trained in the off-season. You know, at this point I'm here. I'm here to play tennis, do what I do best. I play tennis best, so that's what I'm here to do. I think I'm getting there. I don't feel like I'm there yet. I feel like I'm still getting there.”

Halep said she no longer feels intimidated when she plays Williams but knows she will need to play at her very best if she is to come out on top.

“I only beat her once in my life, so I cannot say much…just that it's going to be huge challenge for me. It's always great to play against Serena because every time I have to learn something from the match.”

“I have to play similar"

Halep warmed up in perhaps the best way, by beating Venus Williams in the third round. The younger Williams will present a greater challenge but Halep says she will be ready.  

“I think I have to play similar, if I can,” she said. “I have to be smart, aggressive. I have to move her and give my best. I will not super think about this because is nothing to think, just go there and play natural and with confidence. I don't feel intimidated any more. I have huge respect for her because she's a great champion, but she's just an opponent next round.”