Simona Halep hasn't found her rhythm heading into Australian Open

Simona Halep admits she's lacking match toughness going into the Australian Open, but says she isn't putting too much pressure on herself.

The world No. 1 finished 2018 sidelined by a back injury, and she currently has no coach following Darren Cahill's decision to take a break from the tour.

Playing her first match of the season, Halep fell in straight sets to Ashleigh Barty at Sydney, her fifth defeat in a row dating back to the final of Cincinnati. The 26-year-old had a mixed view of her performance.

"No, I think it was a great match after almost four months since I played one full match, [at the] US Open. I think I played a good level of tennis. I had no inspiration in some important points," Halep told press at Sydney. "The break, it comes like up, and I can feel that I don't have the rhythm yet."

That has left her unsure of her form going into Melbourne, where she has a tough draw that starts in the first round against Kaia Kanepi, who defeated her in the opening round of the US Open.

"Not really, but I took the risk," Halep said when asked if she had adequate preparation for the tournament. "I took a longer break because I needed it. Also mentally, also physically. That's why I always say because I cannot expect myself to be at the highest level in this moment, because I didn't play matches, but tennis is good, so I have just to believe in myself more."

After winning a Grand Slam and reaching the top spot in the rankings, Halep says she is concentrating more on enjoying the game.

"You know, it's a new beginning, let's say, and I will give myself a chance, a few months, just to 'chill' on court," she said.

On the positive side, she completed her first match with no back problems, saying, "No pain at all. I'm happy about that. It's a great sign."

ATP/WTA Sydney (1/5 to 1/12)

• Stefanos Tsitsipas, Frances Tiafoe, Simona Halep and Sloane Stephens headline the Sydney International. Watch live coverage on Tennis Channel Plus.

WTA Hobart (1/5 to 1/11)

• Watch the action from the Hobart International featuring Caroline Garcia, Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari.

ATP Auckland (1/6 to 1/11)

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FAST 4—Sydney (1/7)

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World Tennis Challenge—Adelaide (1/7 to 1/9)

• Watch Borna Coric, CoCo Vandeweghe and Victoria Azarenka live from Adelaide starting Monday, Jan. 7 at 3:00 am ET.

AO Qualifying Rounds (1/8 to 1/11)

• Australian Open officially begins with qualifying action. Tennis Channel Plus has fall the action live! Coverage begins Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 6:00 pm ET.