Remembering Halep’s Sportsmanship

Simona Halep hasn’t played Serena Williams in this US Open yet, but before she does, I think it’s worth remembering her only win against Serena and the sportsmanship she showed.

Simona beat Serena in the round robin segment of the year-end championships in 2014.  That victory secured a place for Halep in the semifinals, with a chance to win the tournament.  However, Halep still had one more round robin match to play.

Had Simona lost her next round robin match, the loss would have eliminated Serena from the semifinals.  That circumstance would have removed Serena as a potential obstacle for Halep in Halep’s quest for the title.  A player at Halep’s level can easily lose a match without making it look like a deliberate loss.  She can, for example claim injury and retire.

But Simona didn’t play strategy.  She won her final round robin match, put Serena into the semis, then lost to Serena on the final weekend.  Simona’s good sportsmanship could well have cost her the biggest title of her career.

At a time when players are suspected of all kinds of misconduct (drug use in particular), it’s nice to highlight behavior that upholds and reinforces

the integrity of the game.   Thanks, Simona, for reminding us that true professionals like you always want to win and always play hard.  Good luck in your next match with the great Serena Williams!!