Simona Halep Keeping Australian Open Expectations in Check

World No.2 Simona Halep said on Sunday she is determined to taste Grand Slam glory but is keeping her expectations in check after an injury-marred build-up to the Australian Open. (Read more tennis stories here)

The Romanian is enjoying her highest ever ranking after a stellar 2015 in which she won titles at Shenzhen, Dubai and Indian Wells, raking in more than US$4.5 million in prize money.

The ultimate goal is Grand Slam glory, with world number one and 21-time major winner Serena Williams scheduled to meet her in the final if the seedings go to plan.

"I think to win a Grand Slam," she said when asked about her season's focus.

"I don't know if it's going to happen this year, but this is my biggest goal. And to have good matches, have good tournaments, and to play everything I want, that I scheduled already."

Halep's chances of landing her first major in Melbourne could be hindered by an niggling achilles injury that forced her out of the lead-up Brisbane International.

She recovered to make the semi-finals of the Sydney International last week but is not getting her hopes too high of breaking her Grand Slam duck over the next fortnight.

"I come here without expectations. I have only one tournament before this Grand Slam," she said.

"Actually I feel good, I feel confident. You never know. I just have to go on court and take my chances every time."

Halep, now coached by Australian Darren Cahill, has failed to get beyond the quarter-finals in five previous attempts at Melbourne Park. Her best Grand Slam showing was reaching the 2014 French Open final.

She gets her tournament underway on Tuesday against Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai with a potential quarter-final looming against veteran eighth seed Venus Williams, who has been playing the Australian Open since 1998.

"I think the tournament is open," Halep said, with most of the women's top 10 having their Grand Slam build-up hampered by either illness or injury.

"Everyone has a chance to win this title, I mean from top 10. I think every tournament is open."