Indian Wells defending champion Simona Halep beat Ekatrina Makarova 6-2 6-4 in 64 minutes on a windy night to reach the third round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Both players went on serve until the sixth game when Halep got a crucial break in the sixth game to clinch the first set. Halep broke serve in the second game of the second set but Makarova broke straight back in the next game. In the 10th game Halep earned three break point chances on the match point. Makarova saved the first opportunity but Halep got the crucial break with her crosscourt backhand winner to seal the win.
Halep has extended her win-loss record to 3-1 in her head-to-head against Makarova. In their previous meeting Makarova forced Halep to three sets in the quarter finals of the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships before Halep prevailed with 6-3 1-6 7-5. Makarova won only one clash against her Romanian rival in the quarter finals of the 2015 Australian Open.
It was a confidence booster for Halep, who won just three of her eight matches this year and was knocked out in the first round at the Australian Open. She struggled with illness and injury problems at the start of the 2016 season but she is returning to her best form which propelled her to the French Open final in 2014.
“It was a tough match. The wind was bothering us, but I am happy that I could win this match. I played a bit smarter. i knew how to adapt to the wind. Just in one part of the court I had to hit a bit stronger, and the other with more topspin. I adjusted really well today and I am really happy that I did it. I had tough matches this year where I couldn’t finish the match. I thank my coach Darren Cahill who really helped me to finish the ball and be strong in the end and to believe that I can win and make a break. I am not thinking about defending the title, but I am really happy to be back here on Center Court. I really have great memories from last year and I believe that here I can come back with my game and with my confidence”, said Halep.
Halep received a strong support from her Romanian fans.
“I want to thank everyone for staying. I know it’s difficult but thank you guys”, said Halep.
Halep will face Barbora Strykova, who reached the final in Dubai this year. They are tied 1-1 in their previous head-to-head matches but Halep won their most recent match at the 2014 China Open.
