Simona Halep qualified for the third round of the US Open. Photo: Profimedia
Simona Halep qualified for the third round of the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, after defeating Kristina Kucova (Slovakia) 6-3, 6-1, on Wednesday, at the Flushing Meadows arenas in New York .
Halep (29 years old, 13 WTA), number 12 seed, got a pretty easy victory in just 68 minutes.
The former world leader got off to a great start and led 2-0 and 3-1, but a series of mistakes made her opponent equal, 3-3. From 30-0 for Kucova in game seven, Halep changed the register, was more focused and clearly dominated the hostilities, winning the first set 6-3. In the second act, the difference was much clearer, Halep prevailing with a 6-1 sec, after a series of exceptional shots.
Halep finished with an ace, two double faults, 19 winners and 18 unprovoked errors, while Kucova (31, 111 WTA), lucky loser, had a double fault, 10 winners and 15 unforced errors.
Simona Halep, who did not attend the US Open last year, secured a check for $ 180,000 and 130 WTA points, and in the third round she will face Kazakh Elena Rybakina, number 19 seed, according to Agerpres .
“It’s very good that I came back here, last year I couldn’t play. It’s great to be able to play in front of the spectators again, whom I thank for their presence. It’s always great to play at the US Open, where the atmosphere is great. I feel better now, I’m more confident. Before the tournament I was worried about medical problems, I hadn’t played for so many months. It’s hard to handle the pressure of a Grand Slam, but I think I’m doing pretty well , “ said Simona Halep at Eurosport.