After winning her second major title at Wimbledon, Simona Halep took a much-deserved break away from the courts. In speaking with Prakash Amritraj in Toronto, Halep admitted the difficulty in getting back into a regular routine, but was quick to point out her desire to pursue more trophies has not diminished.

“It’s not tough to get motivated but it’s tough to get the rhythm back. I had more than a two-week break and I didn’t play tennis because I wanted to cut the grass season with the hard season," Halep said. “I feel motivated, I feel pleasure when I go on the court, but I feel my body is a little bit sore. But I will take it slowly and hopefully can get it fast.”

The world No. 4 is the defending Rogers Cup champion, claiming the title last season over Sloane Stephens when the women’s event was staged in Montreal (it alternates each year with Toronto). Her best finish in Toronto came in 2015, when she finished runner-up to Belinda Bencic.

When asked which celebrity she would most like to have watch her compete this season, Halep responded with two choices. “Richard Gere because he’s my favorite and of course, Gerard Butler. Maybe once in this life, I can meet them.”

In her first match since defeating Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final, Halep will open her Rogers Cup title defense against qualifier Jennifer Brady. The American handily dispatched wild card Kristina Mladenovic, 6-1, 6-2, on Monday.

Advertising

WATCH: Halep reveals
which actors she
wants to meet

WATCH: Halep reveals which actors she wants to meet