Muguruza and Halep play some of their best tennis – The Eye of the Coach #7

In The Eye of the Coach #7, Patrick Mouratoglou analyses how tough could be the semi-final of the 2020 Australian Open between Simona Halep and Garbiñe Muguruza. The Romanian has already reached once the semi-finals in Melbourne, in 2018. For the Spaniard, it’s the first time, but she has experience of big matches. She and Halep are two-time Grand Slam champions.

“Both are Grand Slam champions. Both have the experience. Both are very excited, they think it’s their year. It’s going to be a close match.”

“Halep? Happy players are the most dangerous ones”

It’s the sixth duel between these two players, Garbiñe Muguruza leading 3-2 against Simona Halep. The Romanian is very impressive since the beginning of the tournament, without dropping a set, but she has to be very focused. She beat Jennifer Brady, Harriet Dart, Yulia Putintseva, Elise Mertens and Anett Kontaveit.

“With Darren Cahiil, she’s very confident now. For Halep, winning Wimbledon was a big surprise. It seems she feels free now. Having Daren Cahill back with her, she trusts him so much, it makes wonders. He’s the guy who found a way to make her win her first Grand Slam and made her the number 1 in the world. The fact he’s back with her gives her confidence. She’s loose and relaxed. Happy players are the most dangerous ones.”

“Muguruza will have to shorten the rallies”

But the Romanian has to be very focused against Garbiñe Muguruza. The Spaniard is back to her best after a difficult year in 2019, and will be a dangerous opponent in semi-finals. She easily beat Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens, two top 10 players, on her way to the semi-finals.

“If Halep lets Muguruza dictate, she’s going to be in danger. Muguruza will have to be very aggressive. She brings many balls back. Muguruza will have to shorten the rallies. She will have to hit many swing volleys. She’s at her best when she does it.”