A back injury led to an early exit for Simona Halep in the Wuhan Open's round of 16, but she's hoping to recover quickly and finish the year strong with the WTA Finals starting near the end of next month in Shenzhen, China. 

The Romanian's season has been highlighted by winning a second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, and she discussed that and more with Damion Jones in CGTN Sports Scene's special episode of "Beyond the Baseline".

The Romanian won last year's French Open, her maiden major, before clinching this year's Wimbledon crown to add the second major title in her already illustrious career. 

"It was different. It was very special to win Wimbledon, the most prestigious Grand Slam in tennis. So I just enjoyed that moment. I was happy after that but I was also a little bit exhausted. So now it's time to get back and I just need to keep working because I want to touch the highest level again," Halep told Sports Scene.

Widely considered one of the best shot returners in women's tennis, she explained: "I have no other choice because I am not that tall. I don't have much power. But I try just to use my advantage and if my quality is to be strong and run, I work on that."

It wasn't always a rosy run for Halep on the tour, as the current World No. 6 lost three Grand Slam finals before prevailing in Paris last year to break her Grand Slam jinx. She is arguably the most famous sports figure in Romania after tennis legend Ilie Nastase and Olympic gymnastics queen Nadia Comaneci.

Following Halep's success, an increasing number of youngsters have picked up a tennis racquet back home. "It's a little bit better. More kids are getting into tennis in Romania and they enjoy more these days. The facilities are bigger and whenever I go home I try to spend more time with them and give them a little bit of advice," said Halep. 

"I like to share my success with my fans. I also receive their love. It's always nice to see that fans are coming to support me every time I play. There are many. So I really want to thank them. They give me energy and I like to share good moments with good people," she added.

Halep spent 64 weeks as World No. 1 between 2017-2019, putting her in 10th place in all-time WTA rankings. 

"After finishing at the top two years in a row as world number one, now my main goal is to win all four Grand Slam titles if that is possible," said the Romanian. "But of course, every week is a big challenge for me and I try just to give my best in every tournament. If I win tournaments then I will also get the ranking points, but it's not my main goal."

Looking back at her long journey from starry-eyed junior back in Romania to the zenith of world tennis, Halep said: "I had no idea then that I will become an international tennis player in future... I just felt the passion is there, the pleasure of playing is there. So I kept playing and I got actually motivated by my family and with their support it was much easier to get to the top."

She is now keen to play at this year's much-anticipated WTA Finals in the Chinese city of Shenzhen. "I know that place and I played a few times there in Shenzhen. I just look forward to going there and want to give my best. So there is a chance to play well and win matches. It would be great." 

(Cover image from VCG)