Simona Halep is relaxed heading into the defence of her French Open title, insisting she feels less pressure than when she was chasing a first grand slam crown.

World number three Halep heads into the second major of the season without a tournament win in 2019, having lost in the final of the Qatar Open and Madrid Open.

A disappointing performance in Rome followed, but Halep - who secured her maiden grand slam trophy in Paris 12 months ago - is confident in her form on clay.

"I feel good. I have practised a lot and with many players," Halep said.

"Mentally, I am pretty relaxed. I know there is a little bit of pressure there, because I'm defending champion, but it's the first time it has happened.

"It [the pressure] is much easier because I have the title already. It doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen.

"Everything now comes as a bonus. I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again."

Happiness is holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen for @Simona_Halep!#RG19 pic.twitter.com/70h3QrZsnO

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2019

Halep, however, insists that her relaxed approach does not mean she is lacking motivation to retain her crown.

"I fought hard [last year], and I had many tough moments before lifting that trophy, but I'm still motivated because my career doesn't stay in a grand slam or ranking," Halep added.

"I play tennis because I love playing tennis, and I'm here because I love the life of an athlete. 

"I have confidence. I feel good, but you never know in tennis. I will take it day by day."

Halep starts her title defence against Ajla Tomljanovic.