After Finally Reaching No. 1, Simona Halep Admits She Couldn’t Sleep Ahead Of Her Beijing Final

Simona Halep finally reached No. 1 on Saturday after beating Jelena Ostapenko. But the celebration didn’t help her cause on the final on Sunday as Caroline Garcia took the title.

Halep, though, was still relieved to have finally gotten to the top and she talked about her emotions.

“I couldn’t sleep very well,” Halep said. “In the morning, I was, like, Okay, now I have to focus again, to go on court and work, which I did. It was very good. It was a very good step, important step. But still inside I was too happy.

“I had many messages, but I couldn’t reply to all of them. It’s not easy to stay just on the phone. I just talked to important people that I’m talking every day. I didn’t reply, so I will have time next days.”

Halep added that perhaps Garcia had some extra motivation in facing a No. 1.

“I can imagine that everyone wants to win against the world No. 1,” Halep said. “Like I am always when I play against No. 1 in the world, I always want to win. Gives maybe more energy, more confidence, to play without fear. Today she just played really well.

“In my mind nothing changes. I’m just happy now, and I want to go home. Then next week, actually after few days, I will be back on court and thinking about Singapore, the last tournament, then I will relax completely myself.”

On Saturday, Halep talked about what it means to be No. 1.

“My dream, is true now,” she said. “In that moment you cannot believe hundred percent that it’s happening. So, yeah, I was in tears a little bit. Maybe first time on court nice tears, because otherwise, yeah, I had some.

“I cannot describe what I felt. Of course, it’s the best moment in my life, and I want just to keep it. Now tomorrow already I have just to restart everything, to start again to play the same and to work harder.