WTA: Halep on the referee debate: “There is no sexism in tennis”

Simona Halep currently has to pause indefinitely due to a herniated disc. During her time-out, the world number one in the sexism debate on the WTA Tour speaks her mind.

The public discussion about sexism in tennis began in the final of the US Open. Serena Williams’ well known outburst has flooded the WTA tour with debates and discussions. Now Simona Halep also has her say.

“I don’t want to interfere in this story (US Open Final), but everyone gets the same treatment. I also get warned if I smash my bat. The referees respect and follow the rules and that’s all I can say,” explained the Romanian at Reuters.

The French Open winner did not want to comment further on Williams’ behaviour. Halep is generally known for not publicly commenting on controversial issues on the tour. The much-discussed difference in the treatment of women and men on the Tour does not exist for the 27-year-old from Constanta: “I don’t really see any difference between women’s and men’s tennis. It all feels fair.”

Halep also said a few words about the newcomer Naomi Osaka. The young Japanese woman is currently in the fast lane and did not let up even after her great triumph in New York City. The number one of the WTA Tour promises Osaka a rosy future: “She is a very good player, very young and extremely powerful. She has a great future ahead of her and will certainly be strong at the WTA finals.”

In addition to Halep and Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Petra Kvitova and the German number one Angelique Kerber have also qualified for the WTA final (21 to 28 October) in Singapore.

Hot candidates for the remaining places are Elina Svitolina, Sloane Stephens and Karolina Pliskova. For Halep, participation in the tournament of the top eight players of the season becomes a poker game. At the moment the signs are positive, the Romanian cannot yet count on a safe participation due to her severe back injury.