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Simona Halep faces stiff competition at Sydney International

By Harry Floyd

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 27: Simona Halep of Romania serves the ball in her women's singles first round match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia on Day One of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 27: Simona Halep of Romania serves the ball in her women's singles first round match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia on Day One of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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World number one Simona Halep arrives at the Sydney International where she kicks off her 2019 WTA Tour against some serious competition.

Simona Halep has touched down in Sydney and is gearing up for what will be an incredibly competitive event. The 2019 Sydney International is set to showcase eight Grand Slam singles champions. Halep is the world number one in women’s singles but her first tournament of the year is going to be a tough one.

WATCH Halep practice on the courts via the WTA Tour’s YouTube account. After struggling with ongoing injuries at the end of last year, Halep hopes to start 2019 on a high note.

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So far so good in Sydney for the Romanian great. Action kicks off this coming weekend and the field is packed with talent. Along with the world number one, other tennis stars in the mix include Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitova, Garbine Muguruza, Jelena Ostapenko, and Samantha Stosur.

If there is an early tournament to test the world number one, the Sydney International is it. Halep looks good on the practice courts. HERE, the world number one shares a photo of her team on the courts via her Twitter account.

Last year, the Romanian great concluded the WTA Tour as the year-end world number one for the second straight year.

2018 featured the world number one reaching the finals at the Australian Open and then following it up with a title at the French Open. This year, if healthy, Halep ought to be considered a top contender at both Melbourne Park and of course Roland Garros where she will seek to defend her title in women’s singles.

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Stay tuned to see how Simona Halep fares at the upcoming Sydney International. She must prove that she is healthy enough to retain the top ranking on the WTA Tour. Sydney will also provide the opportunity to showcase her talent against the best players in women’s singles as she gathers momentum heading into the Australian Open.

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