"I think I played well and confidently" - Halep after win over Badosa

In a match that could easily have been a final, shoulder problems hampered Paula Badosa’s chances against an impressive Simona Halep who won 6-3 6-1.

Halep took the first set in 43 minutes having broken her opponent’s serve at the first opportunity. Despite Badosa breaking back in the fourth game and then taking the lead (2-3), the two-time Grand Slam champion strung together nine games to give the WTA’s No. 2 player a mountain to climb (6-3, 5-0). She then finished it off with 6-1 in the 2nd.

Halep acknowledged the difficulty of the match:

“I knew it would be a battle and a very tough match because Badosa is now the No. 2 and she has been playing solidly. I think I played well, confidently, and that gave me chances. The only thing I wanted was to give my best."

On being back in Madrid and having Mouratoglou as coach, Halep said:

“I’ve played four finals in Madrid, I’ve won two and of course it’s always a pleasure to play here in Madrid in front of these fans. It’s an honour to have Patrick Mouratoglu in my box and, despite the fact that it’s our first tournament, I think I played well and I hope to keep improving and enjoying every day."