Simona Halep will take on Amanda Anisimova at the French Open for a second successive year after she recorded a comfortable 6-3 6-4 victory over compatriot Irina-Camelia Begu.
The Romanian, who turned 29 on Sunday, lost 6-2 6-4 to the American at Roland Garros last year. Consequently, she is well aware of the skills the talented teenager possesses.
“I will play against a very tough opponent,” Halep said in her on-court interview. “We played here last year and I lost the match, so now I hope just to play better than last year, and to fight for my chance. Of course, it’s not going to be easy in the third round of a Grand Slam, but I’m enjoying being here and I will do everything I can to win.”
Halep earned her rematch with Anisimova courtesy of a relatively easy win over Begu. She served superbly throughout and broke her fellow Romanian twice in each set.
Normally, this would have led to a more comprehensive score line. However, Begu took advantage of the only two chances she had to break during the entire clash.
Halep: “The conditions were heavy”
Although Halep never looked to be in any kind of trouble, it is clear from her on-court interview that there were some challenges for her to negotiate.
“It was a tough match,” the Romanian said. “The conditions were heavy and she played really well. Her serve was very strong and I couldn’t do much with the return.”
She continued, “All that matters is that I could win this match in two sets. My legs feel heavy because of the court but it’s always nice to play here and I’m looking forward already to the next round.”
It seems likely that the third-round encounter with Anisimova will be the first true test for Halep at this year’s French Open. The American is clearly comfortable on clay and she has obliterated both of her opponents so far in less than an hour.
