Simona Halep ousts Anastasia Potapova in straight sets at Gippsland Trophy

The top seed and world no. 2 Simona Halep made a winning start at the Gippsland Trophy, beating Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 22 minutes.

Simona played better behind the second serve and saved three out of five break points. Potapova had her chances following a solid display, but it wasn't enough at least for a set, getting broken four times to finish her campaign in the second round and propel Halep through.

Servers needed some time to settle into a fine rhythm, with three breaks in the opening three games and more chances for Potapova at 1-2. Halep saved those break points to bring the game home and open a 3-1 gap, closing the set with a hold at 5-4 in just under 40 minutes. The young Russian forged a 3-1 advantage in set number two, but it wasn't to be for her, losing the edge already in game five and allowing Simona to move over the top with another break in game nine.

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