Simona Halep spoiled Coco Gauff’s 18th birthday party on Sunday night, beating the young American 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Round of 16 at Indian Wells.
Halep was the more experienced in the wind of the Californian desert as Gauff hit 33 unforced errors, with Halep hitting 11 winners and just 12 unforced errors in the match.
Halep’s serve was also major factor, as she served 77 per cent of her first serves and was unbroken for the entire match.
The Romanian, now ranked 26, will face her compatriot Sorana Cirstea next.
