Halep pleased after edging past Mertens: "I feel like I played a better match than all the matches since I'm here"

Simona Halep is through to the Australian Open Quarter-Finals after edging past Elise Mertens in a 6-4, 6-4 win.

Halep claimed six straight games, and a late push to get over the line to deny the Belgian and she was pleased in claiming victory and gave her perspective on her mindset when it got to the latter stages.

"I had in my head she came back in that match, and I have just to pay attention on every ball, not giving up at all, because she can come back strong," Halep said after the match.

"Mentally, I think I did a great job today at 4-All with those break points, game points. But in the end, I got the game and then I served very well the last game. I feel like I played a better match than all the matches since I'm here.

"I feel happy about that, and I'm trying just to stay focused. I like how I feel."

The Romanian looked forward also to playing Anett Kontaveit and admitted that her mindset will be the same as usual just to get out there and play her A game.

"Kontaveit, I don't know if we played together. Probably once. She's strong. I'm here just to face any challenge I have. So I'm not thinking negative about the game. I just want to go there and to give my best. This is everything I have in my mind."

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