Simona Halep wins after solid match from Kostyuk

Simona Halep played her first singles match since the US Open and she played a very solid match overall taking down Marta Kostyuk 7-6(2) 6-3.

Simona Halpe faced a tricky opponent in the 2nd round of the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells. Marta Kostyuk proved a tough out, just like advertised, playing a very balanced style of tennis that gave Simona trouble early. She went down 1-3 after a shaky start and some bad choices during rallies. Halep was very livid with herself but composed in time to pull it back and make it 3-3.

The players settled in nicely after that with both playing very well. We ended up in the tiebreak and in it, Halep simply took over. She played aggressively taking balls early in the rally and going for it. She missed one ball badly but she hit the others which was enough to win it 7-2.

Halep continued applying a similar strategy early in the match and her rhythm and timing got much better which made some of the shots easier. Kostyuk became more and more agitated losing patience easily and Halep was able to run away with it. First, she took a 3-0 lead before adding another break later on to make it 5-1. She closed it out with a strong service game 6-1.

A good start for Halep as she was able to find her rhytm in the match looking good. Her fitness improved as well and she is looking much more comfortable on the court compared to her New York outing.