She’s not “Aussie Simona” just yet but Romanian Simona Halep is hoping a local link can lift her to grand slam success in 2016.
The world No.2 teamed up with esteemed Australian coach Darren Cahill late in 2015 as she aimed to claim a maiden grand slam title.
A runner-up at the 2014 French Open, Halep had a mixed year at the grand slams in 2015, reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and the semifinals at the US Open but fell early at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Halep, who enters the Brisbane International starting on Sunday as the tournament’s top seed, said her early work with Cahill had been positive.
“I can say we adapted a little bit of my game,” Halep said. “I improved a lot. I can say I have a stronger serve now. But still I need time to get stronger in everything. It was a good period and I’m happy I met him.”
Halep, handed a bye for the opening round in Brisbane, faces a potential second round clash with two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.
The Belarusian would need to overcome a qualifier to set up the clash with Halep.
Halep defeated Azarenka at last year’s US Open in three sets, her first victory in three meetings against the former world No.1.
“It’s good to have tough matches but I stayed two months already in the off-season and it’s tough to start the first tournament with tough opponents,” the 24-year-old said.
“I just have to try and play my best on the match and keep my confidence up for Melbourne.”