"I was prepared to play as much as possible" - Halep ready to go all the way in Melbourne

The current Wimbledon champion had to dig deep to overcome an in-form Brady, who was fresh off victories over Maria Sharapova and World number 1 Ashleigh Barty in Brisbane two weeks ago.

“Definitely was a tough match. I knew actually because we played against each other a few months ago, I was prepared to play as much as possible. To be in the second round is a very nice feeling to play here in Australia,” said the fourth seed, who was runner-up in Melbourne in 2018.

After taking the first set 7-6(5), the 2018 finalist had an easier time in the second set, relying on her mental strength and experience.

“I think the second one I just found the rhythm a bit better, I tried to move her more because in the first set I just stayed in one corner. I was a bit stronger and the serve was better in the second set.”

Despite taking a scary fall at 5-5 in the first set, Halep remained unfazed. The Romanian even displayed a sense of humor about the incident, comparing it to when she rolled her ankle in the first round during her 2018 campaign.

“As I remember well in 2018 was the same, probably I can repeat that,” said Halep with a laugh. "I don't know why in the first round always I fall down. Maybe it's a good sign."

“It’s too far to think about that. My wrist is pretty painful. I need to chill and recover for the second round.”

Up next for Halep is British qualifier Harriet Dart, who defeated Japanese player Misaki Doi in 3 sets in her first round match.

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