"I expect a big battle" - Halep on facing Jabeur in Madrid

Two-time Madrid champion Simona picked up a second win over a seeded player this week with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over the No. 14 seed. Coco Gauff.

Halep overcame a 1-4 deficit in the 2nd set to win the match after Gauff got nervous towards the end of the second set. Halep never panicked an contonued playing her game which got her the resul in the end. She said:

"I think I played very well in the first set. When I stayed super focused at 4-All, that was really important ... that was the difference. The second set, she changed the tactics and she was super, super aggressive. It was really tough to return the balls, but then I just calmed down and I found the rhythm. I adjusted myself to her game, and in the end, it was super good that I could actually push her back a little bit."

Next up for Halep is Ons Jabeur and on that she said:

"It's going to be a totally different match ... In Dubai, it was pretty tough because everybody [in the crowd] was with her- But sometimes I get the energy also from the crowd, like here with Paula Badosa, so I don't struggle with that. I love the energy on court and I love the atmosphere. It's good to have people than not to have people, so it will be good. She's different. She's a great person, first of all, because we get so well together. It's always nice to talk to her. But every time on court is a big fight, big battle. I'm expecting a big one next round."