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WATCH: Cahill pokes fun at Halep at event in Romania

ByCody Fitzpatrick

Published Jun 19, 2019

With the pressure of her first Grand Slam–title defense out of the way, Simona Halep got to let loose on Saturday in an exhibition with Daniela Hantuchova, at the Sports Festival in Cluj, Romania.

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Giving herself a well-deserved break the fiery competitiveness she exhibits year-round, Halep pulled out all the hit-and-giggle stops, from dancing to trying tweeners to hitting one-handed backhands—even landing this incredible backward lob winner:

The one time things did get tough, though, Darren Cahill came out for a coaching visit for old times' sake, mocking Halep's mechanisms for coping with pressure: throwing a racquet and hiding his head under a towel.

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Cahill had a great experience visiting his former pupil's home country.

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Halep's self-described "chill year" is expected to continue on the Eastbourne grass next week. Following her quarterfinal French Open loss, her ranking has dropped to No. 8.