Halep admits lapse in concentration played part during victory over Dart: “I lost focus a little bit and she started to play freely”

Simona Halep progressed to the third round at the Australian Open 6-2, 6-4 with victory over Harriet Dart.

Halep claimed her 90th win in Grand Slam competition but it wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggested and she admitted that she suffered a lapse in concentration but is happy to be through.

"It was not easy at all," Halep said. "Even if she doesn't hit very hard, she has good angles. Her ball doesn't have that much power to play against. I had to work a little bit more.

"I was leading pretty well at 5-1. But then, I don't know what happened, I lost focus a little bit and she started to play freely. She didn't miss that much. I played a little bit short. Then she controlled me a little bit.

"But I'm happy that I could hold that last game. That was important."

https://youtu.be/o-7Htphci3Y