By Chris Oddo | Tuesday February 16, 2016

 

It's been a rough start to 2016 for Simona Halep, but Grand Slam hopes spring eternal.

Photo Source: AFP

Simona Halep has had a rough go of things in 2016. A stomach infection forced her to take antibiotics as she began her season. Then she injured her achilles and learned that a surgery might be required to repair a deviated septum in her nasal cavity.

Read Reem Abulliel's Full Feature on Simona Halep from Dubai Here

It all added up to a very disappointing first-round loss at the Australian Open and the promise of a month-long shutdown that never happened, but despite the difficulties, Halep says that recent developments in the women's game are fueling her personal Grand Slam dreams. Watching Flavia Pennetta and Angelique Kerber bring home the last two major titles has given her hope that her time may indeed be coming.

“Now, me, I’m thinking that I’m able to win a grand slam after I saw Pennetta winning and Kerber winning,” Halep said, according to Reem Abulliel of Sport 360. “It’s easier for us now to think that we’re able to win a grand slam. Till now it was tough because Serena was there and we thought that she is the only winner, maybe that’s why it was tough to win. But now everyone can think that they are able to win a grand slam.”

Halep, who has elected to forego nasal surgery and trudge on with her season, will face Ana Ivanovic on Wednesday in Dubai. She is the defending champ and top seed at the event. The Romanian is also expected to defend her title at Indian Wells this spring.

After competing at Fed Cup last week and splitting two singles matches, Halep said that nasal surgery will likely happen for her at some point, but she’s no longer in a rush due to the fact that her stomach illness and achilles soreness have run their course. For the time being, it’s full speed ahead for Halep, with Grand Slam hopes fueling her progress.