Simona Halep might be the current number one in womenโs tennis but the Romanian believes the best player in the world will be awaiting her when she takes on Serena Williams.
Both players meet in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old American took a year off after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017.
She returned to action last season when she reached the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
Serena was eight weeks pregnant when she won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park.
And though she has played selective tournaments since motherhood, the American is still the player to beat in the womenโs draw at Grand Slams.
French Open champion Halep has topped the rankings since October 2017.
โIn my opinion, to be number one in the world and to be the best player in the world, itโs a little bit different,โ Halep told reporters on Saturday after a 6-2 6-3 third round win against the older Williams sister, Venus.
โIn this moment, Iโm number one in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks.
โBut for sure sheโs the best player in the world because she won so many Grand Slams. Sheโs been a lot on number one. I cannot compare my results to her.
โBut in this moment, Iโm confident that Iโm in this position, and Iโm positive about it.โ
The losses in the finals in London and New York left Serena, who is seeded 16th at Melbourne Park, still seeking a 24th Grand Slam singles title..
It will enable her to equal Margaret Courtโs all-time record.
She has lost only nine games this week in her first three rounds.
โI only beat her once in my life. So, I cannot say much about this match,โ Halep said, referring to her nine overall meetings with Serena.
โJust that itโs going to be a huge challenge for me. Itโs always great to play against Serena because every time I have to learn something from the match.โ
Halep admitted that she used to be intimidated by Serena when she was younger, but said the โgreat championโ will be just another opponent in the last 16 clash.
โIโm used to this pressure. Iโm used to facing her,โ Halep said. โIโm in a good position. I feel confident. I played very well today. But that doesnโt mean itโs going to be the same against her.
โDefinitely, itโs the toughest draw Iโve ever hadโฆ itโs a huge challenge. Every time I face the (Williams) sisters is a big challenge for me.
“I just want to try to play my best tennis because I have nothing to lose against them.”
(Reuters/NAN)
