Simona Halep says she is ready to claim her maiden Grand Slam title at French Open
"I don't know who said that I feel pressure. Not me, obviously. I don't feel pressure"
Friday 8 June 2018 17:52, UK
World No 1 Simona Halep claims she is under no pressure as she goes in search of an elusive first Grand Slam title at the French Open on Saturday.
Halep has come up short in two French Open finals in 2014 and 2016 as well as at this year's Australian Open.
Now she has another chance to break her duck when she takes on American 10th seed Sloane Stephens in the final at Roland Garros.
"I don't know who said that I feel pressure. Not me, obviously. I don't feel pressure," said the 26-year-old Romanian.
"I feel that it's a big challenge for me. It's a big chance to win my dream tournament.
"But this doesn't mean it's going to happen or something like that. It's a normal match I play against these opponents.
"So we will see what is going to happen, but I just want to be smiling on court."
Stephens has had to battle back from a foot operation which left her unable to walk for four months.
The 25-year-old's ranking slumped to 957th after an 11-month absence and a first-round defeat at Wimbledon last year, but she bounced back in stunning fashion by winning the US Open against her close friend Madison Keys - the same player Stephens beat in the semi-finals at Roland Garros on Thursday.
"After not playing for 11 months, I've had some great results," said the American, who has a perfect 6-0 record in finals.
"Obviously a lot of hard work went into it, a lot of adversity, a lot of ups and downs. A lot of emotion, wondering am I ever going to be the same? Am I ever going to play good again at a high enough level? Am I a protected ranking?
"I think now I've matured a little bit and have recognised the opportunities when they have been presented.
"The most important thing is that I have taken those opportunities."
