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

World number 4 Simona Halep overcame a shaky start at the 2020 Australian Open, fighting past unseeded American Jennifer Brady to advance to the second round.

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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