Simona Halep cruises past Coco Gauff in Madrid

Simona Halep played another solid match to overcome a nervous Coco Gauff in straight sets 6-4 6-4 moving on.

It's been an interesting affair between Simona Halep and Coco Gauff with the Romanian continuing her Madrid run. Halep is showing a very high level with a very consistent attacking play which is a staple of what Mouratoglou envisioned of her. This is their first event and so far it's been going good. Gauff started off well despite showing some signs of nerves.

The American was able to hold her serve largely without any issues. Halep did the same and it was a rather calm match until 4-4. She got more nervous and lost her serve at the worst possible time. Halep took the break and finished off the set with 6-4. A much more aggressive approach by Gauff allowed her to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd set.

She looked quite determined and comfortable which was important for her. At 4-1, she had a huge hold saving two break points but it was only a show of what's to come from Halep. Consistent as ever she kept pushing Gauff further and further until the American collapsed. At 4-2, she lost her serve by committing two consecutive double faults at deuce.

Halep then made it 4-4 and Gauff lost her serve once more by slamming the ball wide a couple of times. She was clearly out of it and Halep finished it off with 6-4. A good win for Halep especially the 0-3 comeback in the 2nd set.