Full name – Simona Halep
Date of Birth – 27 April 1991
Nationality – Romanian
Role – Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach – Darren Cahill and Daniel Dobre
Current Ranking – No. 3
Highest Ranking – No. 1 (9 October 2017)
Career Earnings – US$37,549,118
Win/Loss – 525-220
Career Titles – 22
Grand Slams – 2
Best Grand Slam Results
Australian Open – Final (2018)
French Open – Champion (2018)
Wimbledon – Champion (2019)
US Open – Semi Final (2015)
Style of Play
An aggressive baseliner, Halep is known for her court coverage and defensive skills too. Halep also uses her positional play, especially when in defensive positions to hit cross-court and down-the-line winners to her advantage.
As someone who has the perfect balance between aggressive and defensive play, she is also known for her strong returns on first service.
About
Born in Constantine, Romania, Halep has been involved with the game since a young age and is a former junior No. 1. Winning the junior Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2008, Halep announced to the world that she was ready for professional tennis.
The Romanian turned professional in 2006 and won both the singles and doubles title during her first ITF Tour in Bucharest. Halep had a quiet next few years before having a breakout 2013. Winning 6 WTA titles and being ranked just outside the top 10 (at no. 11), Halep’s ascent to the top had started. The following year saw her reach the French Open final and reach her best ranking of world No. 2.
She reached the Roland Garros final again in 2017 and finished the 2017 season as world no. 1 for the first time. The Romanian had a stellar next couple of years, winning her first grand slam at the French Open in 2018 and becoming Wimbledon champion in 2019.
Sponsors
Wilson – Halep’s current equipment sponsor is the Chicago-headquartered American sports equipment manufacturer Wilson, with the Romanian having used the Wilson Burn 100 CV, Wilson Steam 99 and Blade 98 models over the years.
Nike – Halep signed on with Nike as her principal sponsor in 2018. Her initial deal with Nike was reported to be US$1.7 million.
Dedeman – Halep partnered with Romanian online home-improvement goods store Dedeman in 2014. As part of the partnership, she features in various advertisements for the brand.
Mercedes-Benz – In March 2017, Simona Halep joined hands with the Romanian arm of the German luxury car manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz Romania). As part of the deal, the tennis star takes part in its marketing campaigns along with promoting the brand on her media channels as well.
Banca Transilvania – The Romanian sports star joined Banca Transilvania, a Romanian bank based in Cluj-Napoca, as its brand ambassador in 2018. As part of the partnership, Halep stars in the bank’s campaigns and adverts.
Dorna – Halep signed a partnership with Dorna, the largest mineral water brand of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, in 2015. As part of the partnership, Halep has been the face of many campaigns such as the #ShoutShoutLife and #ChildCare campaigns, aimed at helping children, especially the ones born prematurely.
Rexona – Halep was roped in as Rexona’s ambassador in June 2018 to help promote the brand in her country. Along with the brand, Halep promoted a healthy and fresh take on life through various campaigns.
Avon – Halep started 2020 by signing on as ambassador for the London-based multinational cosmetics and skin care company Avon. As part of the deal, she was the face of the company’s ‘Her Story’ perfume.
Hublot – Halep joined the Hublot family in February 2016. Halep’s sense of excellence, generosity and passion towards her craft was something the Nyon-headquartered Swiss luxury watchmaker identified with and brought her on board. Halep advertises the brand on multiple channels, sporting the luxury watches both on and off the court.
Vodafone Romania – Halep signed a deal worth €300,000 with Vodafone in 2014 to join on board as an ambassador. The partnership sees Halep feature in various campaigns, advertisements across various media platforms.
Previous Sponsors
Adidas – Halep was sponsored by the German sportswear giant from 2014-2018.
Lacoste – Prior to signing on with Adidas, Halep’s principle on court sponsor was Paris-based Lacoste for apparel and equipment.
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