<img title="Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/jun/SimonaHalep-JelenaOstapenko.jpg" alt="Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko" />Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko
Simona Halep refused to believe her French Open dreams were over before they had begun and now stands one win away from her first Grand Slam title.
The Romanian, who will face Jelena Ostapenko today, was installed as the favourite after retaining her title at the Madrid Open last month and went on to reach another final at the Italian Open the following week. But during that match against Elina Svitolina, Halep went over on her right ankle, and when a scan showed a torn ligament, her chances of even being in Paris were rated only 50/50.
Not by Halep, though. "I was scared, because they told me that it (the ligament) is broken," she said. "I had no idea what does it mean. But I refused to accept that I cannot play, so I think I recovered faster mentally because of the positive thinking, and I really wanted to be here. So it didn't matter what the scan showed." The ankle is not perfect but Halep negotiated the early rounds comfortably and has survived scraps with Svitolina, who she trailed by a set and 5-1, and Karolina Pliskova in the last two matches.
"I don't know how it stays okay," said Halep. "I feel pain during the match, but I don't care. I'm not thinking about that."
Now the 25-year-old will attempt to go one better than in 2014, when she lost narrowly to Maria Sharapova in a very tight three-setter. This time the boot is on the other foot, with Halep the experienced head against a player who has never won a senior title and celebrated her semi-final win on her 20th birthday.
The Romanian also has the carrot of knowing victory would see her overtake Angelique Kerber as World No. 1.
"She's much younger than me. he has nothing to lose," said Halep. "I played once before here, and I was very close to winning it. But if it's going to happen this time, it's going to be great."
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Simona Halep refused to believe her French Open dreams were over before they had begun and now stands one win away from her first Grand Slam title

French Open: Simona Halep wary of ankle, Ostapenko

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Simona Halep refused to believe her French Open dreams were over before they had begun and now stands one win away from her first Grand Slam title

French Open: Simona Halep wary of ankle, Ostapenko

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French Open: Simona Halep wary of ankle, Ostapenko

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