Romanian world No.1 Halep continued her fine early season vein of form as she completed a commanding 6-1 6-4 victory over compatriot and doubles partner Irina-Camelia Begu. The 26-year-old Halep was strong out of the gates, winning 76% percent of her service points and not facing a single break point in a one-sided opening set.
The pair exchanged breaks in the third and fourth games of the second set before Halep took four points on the trot against serve in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead. World No. 43 Begu had two break opportunities in the next game to level matters but Halep saved both to stay in control.