Simona Halep opens against Nicole Gibbs in Shenzhen
By Harry Floyd
Simona Halep is gearing up for her first match at the 2018 Shenzhen Open. The world No. 1 is a former champion at the tournament.
Simona Halep kicks off her 2018 WTA Tour at the Shenzhen Open.
In 2015, the Romanian tennis star took home the title at the WTA International tournament. She defeated Timea Bacsinszky in straight sets, winning 6–2, 6–2. Now, she opens her play in Shenzhen against American Nicole Gibbs.
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The young American is the current world No. 110 in women’s singles tennis. She remains in search of her first ever WTA singles title. Gibbs does, however, have four ITF singles titles to her name. She has also three ITF doubles wins.
Simona Halep could meet French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko if they reach the finals at the Shenzhen Open.
Entering the 2018 WTA Tour as the top ranked player in women’s singles tennis, Halep has a lot to play for. She will aim to retain her world No. 1 ranking and gain some critical momentum in the early weeks of January.
With the 2018 Australian Open right around the corner, any early tournament success if a much needed boost for every player on tour. Halep squares off against Gibbs on Sunday at the Shenzhen Open. Ostapenko, the defending French Open champion, is in action tomorrow at the tournament. The young Latvian is the second seed this week at the WTA International event.
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Simona Halep meets her opening round opponent for the the first time in their WTA careers. While Gibbs is considered a heavy underdog, anything can happen this early in the season. Look for the Romanian to come out strong in the match, but don’t count the younger American out entirely. Play at both the Shenzhen Open and the Brisbane International are preparing players for the first Grand Slam event of the calendar year. Stay tuned to see how all of the early WTA Tour action unfolds this coming week. Check back for updates on all of the action as players seek to gain some early season success as they head into play at Melbourne Park.