World No. 2 Simona Halep advanced to the singles quarter-finals of the Gippsland Trophy in Melbourne today after defeating German Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 33 minutes.
Halep started strong and led the first set 4-0, before winning it in 39 minutes.
The second set took a little longer but the Romanian was in no danger as she set up a tie with Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-2.
Fellow Romanian Irina Begu defeated fifth-seed Johanna Konta, 4-6 7-6 (10) 7-6 (4), and will play Naomi Osaka in the quarter-finals.
