I don't feel intimidated by Serena Williams anymore, says Simona Halep

Is an intimidating opponent? In press conference at the Australian Open, said: She was when I was younger, but now I dont feel intimidated any more, the current world No.

1 confessed. I have huge respect for her because shes a great champion, but shes just an opponent next round. Im used to facing her. Im in a good position. I feel confident. I played very well today. But doesnt mean is going to be the same against her.

I will wait. I will focus on myself. Is the most important thing. I will see what is going to happen on court. Shes a great champion. Shes a very tough opponent. I have huge respect for her. Its always nice to face her because I have to learn many things.

People talk about Serena still being maybe the best player on tour. She doesnt play a full schedule. Halep is obviously officially the best player in the world at No. 1. How does she measure where Serena would rank in an imagine ranking? In my opinion, to be No.

1 in the world and to be the best player in the world, its a little bit different. At this moment, Im No. 1 in the world, so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks. But for sure shes the best player in the world because she won so many Grand Slams.

Shes been a lot on No. 1. I cannot compare my results to her. But in this moment, I am confident that I am in this position, and Im positive about it. About Serenas light schedule, Halep added: For sure is not easy if you play less tournaments.

But she has enough experience to handle every moment of the matches. So I dont believe shes vulnerable because of that. I didnt play against her since she came back, so I dont know what to say about this. Shes a very tough opponent every time.

What would it mean to beat the Williams sisters back-to-back at a major? I will not think about that. Lets wait for the match. If it will happen, then I can say something. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title