The Romanian defeated Italian wildcard Jasime Paolini 6-3 6-4, in a match that featured numerous ups and downs. Paolini challenged the World No.2 on several occasions, as there was a period that saw six successive breaks between both ladies. However, it was Halep's superior ball-hitting and experience that enabled her to grasp the victory.

"I was a little bit tight at the beginning," she admitted. "Actually, the whole match it was a little bit difficult to get the rhythm and to get relaxed. But the first match of the tournament is always tough and she played really well.

Her forehand was strong but so was the backhand. It was tough to find out what to do because we had never played before. But I'm happy I could win the match. It was a very tough one."

Halep will next face Dayana Yastremska, who battled past Amanda Anisimova with a 4-6 7-6(3) 6-4 victory.

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