Taking part in the Centre Court celebrations as one of many one-time winners, there is no doubt that Simona Halep would love to join the likes of Petra Kvitova in doubling that tally. Potentially the favourite now in a wide open draw, she will probably have her toughest test of the tournament against No. 4 seed Paula Badosa.
Badosa is responsible for Halep being the only champion left in the draw, having defeated Petra Kvitova in straight sets. After a slow start, she improved throughout and delivered late in both sets to secure a 7-5 7-6 win. With only one slam quarter final to her name so far, the No. 4 seed will be eager to deliver a slam run worthy of her ranking.
2019 champion Halep has looked good on the grass this year, making the semi finals in Birmingham and Bad Homburg. The latter saw her exit the tournament due to a neck injury but there have been no indications she is still struggling with that this fortnight. She secured another routine win in round three, beating Magdalena Frech 6-4 6-1 to move to 9-1 on the surface this year. “I’m happy about it,” Halep said afterward. “I’m trying just to play more offensive and I’m pushing myself to do that. So it was a good match.
Halep has tried to play a more aggressive style on the grass recently and it has been paying off. Badosa will be a much more solid opponent defensively but is yet to show she has the pedigree on grass to beat such a disciplined opponent as Halep. The winner in this one will play either Harmony Tan or Amanda Anisimova in Tuesday’s quarter final.
Prediction – Simona Halep in three sets
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