I was tired after nine matches in 13 days: Halep

Dubai - Simona had also helped Romania beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in a dramatic Fed Cup tie

While taking nothing away from Belinda Bencic, world number two Simona Halep of Romania admitted she was struggling physically in her 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 defeat to the 21-year-old Swiss player in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarterfinal on Thursday.
Having won her first two matches in straight sets in Dubai, Halep found the rejuvenated Benic too hot to handle.
Despite winning the first set, Halep discovered why Bencic was able to save six match points in the third round win against eighth seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
Bencic's fighting spirit in the second and third sets proved too much for the Romanian who also made the final of her previous tournament last week.
The reigning French Open champion admitted that playing nine matches in 13 days took a toll on her body.
"Yeah, it was really difficult physically. I was tired. After the second set, I felt like I'm cramping a little bit. It's normal. I was sweating a lot," the former world number one told reporters after her match on Thursday night.
"And also she (Bencic) played well. She played very well. In the end, she was a little bit stronger."
Halep, who was in top from in previous two wins, made a lot of unforced errors on Thursday. She was specially struggling with her serve, making 13 double faults against Bencic.
"I couldn't serve that well because of my Achilles. I felt it in the last match a little bit. The left leg a little bit cramping," she said.
"But there are no excuses, just the fact that I'm tired.
"It is just a pain. I'm not worried. Maybe it's because I?m tired, also I had too many matches. I need a few days off and then I will be okay."
The 27-year-old baseliner said she would only take positives from the two good weeks in the Middle East.
Halep had also helped Romania beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in a dramatic Fed Cup tie with a 6-4 5-7 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova.
"I think there were three good weeks. Tough weeks. A lot of tension, a lot of pressure. Also the Fed Cup," she said.
"I will take only positive things. I had great matches. My level is good. Physically also I'm good. But day by day I had to play, so is not easy. I am confident for the next tournaments," she said.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com