World number one Simona Halep said today that she thinks Serena Williams is still capable of challenging for titles, as the American prepares to make her Grand Slam return at the French Open.
Williams will be playing in her first major tournament since winning last year's Australian Open, having taken time off to give birth to her first child.
Halep, a two-time runner-up in Paris, knows that despite a lack of time on court, the unseeded Williams could prove a threat.
"It's great for tennis that she's back," said Halep ahead of the start of the tournament on Sunday.
"Maybe she needs a little bit more time to get again used to the tournaments and everyday playing.
"In my opinion... She's able to come back and to win tournaments again.
"She knows how to handle the pressure, how to handle all the situations. She's (been) there for so many years. So I think she will come back and she will be good again."
"These girls are coming back, Vika (Azarenka), Serena, with the kids, which is amazing. Makes it a little bit different and also special."
"So it's going to be difficult. I'm not thinking about the title, because it's really far. I'm thinking just of my first match."
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