Simona Halep shrugs off new crop top style despite rave reviews at Citi Open

WATCH: Halep made a winning return to the Citi Open, having last played the event in 2017.

WASHINGTON—Simona Halep opened main draw action on Citi Open’s Stadium Court and all eyes were on the former world No. 1 and her stylish new Nike threads as she arrived to play Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa.

Halep was last on court at Wimbledon, where the Romanian reached the semifinals in all white against eventual champion Elena Rybakina, but seemingly bowed to Washington D.C.’s notorious summer heat in a purple Nike crop top and matching skirt.

Tennis fans quickly honed in on the kit, with some drawing parallels to what she wore at the 2015 Australian Open, but most giving the look two thumbs up.

Halep, who typically opts for more traditional on-court outfits, was heartened by the praise—even if a crop top may not have been her first choice.

“I received it, so I have to play with it!” she said after the 6-3, 7-5 victory over Bucsa.

“I’m not a big fan of that kind of thing, but I felt ok. It doesn’t bother me, so that’s good.”

Halep ultimately enjoyed a winning return to the Citi Open, having last played in the United States capital in 2017 when she reached the quarterfinals.

“It was a little difficult: a change of conditions, and we changed the surface,” she said in post-match press. “I had a good run at Wimbledon so it’s always tough to restart but I’m really happy I won the match and that I can play another in Washington.

“I feel I have a lot of energy, a lot of desire to get better, and I’m working hard, so I’m happy with the way I am. It’s a good thing as I look forward to more tournaments.”

Halep is ostensibly without Patrick Mouratoglou this week, but the Romanian assured media that her new coach isn’t far removed from her day to day routine in D.C.

“I’m in touch with him non-stop, so he’s kind of here, just not here,” she said with a laugh. “We talked a lot about what I have to do, and I know what I have to do. I don’t feel lonely here.”

With Mouratoglou coaching from afar and the Citi Open fans quick to embrace one of the field’s most decorated champions, Halep is feeling the love as she prepares to face either Madison Brengle or Anna Kalinskaya for a spot in the last eight.

“I’ve had many changes out of the court: the team, the place where I practiced, so everything changed in my life,” she said. “It’s exciting and I’m excited about it, but it’s not easy. It’s why I’m trying to be nice to myself and give time to get used to everything. I always thought inside myself that I have to be more aggressive, but now I’m with someone who really believes that in Patrick. He gives me more confidence that I’m able to do it.

“So, I’m working on that and I’m not focused so much on results in this moment. I know that it’s going to take time to make the game more solid, and to be able to win matches in a row. I started well in Wimbledon after a few months of struggles, but I’m just looking forward to playing the match.”