SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale


By Chris Oddo | Sunday, March 29, 2015

 
Simona Halep, Miami 2015

Simona Halep battled past a feisty Camila Giorgi to reach the round of 16 in Miami for the first time.

Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty

Simona Halep is fresh off the biggest title of her career and showing no signs of slowing down. The Romanian won her 12th consecutive match to notch her first career round of 16 appearance at Miami, 6-4, 7-5, over Camila Giorgi of Italy.

Video: A-Rad Goes Ninja in Miami Again

The Italian fought valiantly and at times pushed Halep all over the court, striking often with her flat ground strokes, but in each set Halep proved up to the task in the important moments.

“It was a strange match because she hits very strong and very fast,” Halep said. “She takes the balls fast, and I didn't have time sometimes to adapt, you know, her style. But I just tried to move my legs more and just to be aggressive, as well. I couldn't all the match, but I'm happy that I could win. She's a tough player, tough opponent to play against.”

Backed by a strong contingent of Romanian fans, just like she has been all year, Halep showed the fire in the belly from start to finish on Sunday.

“Everywhere I go I have many Romanians supporting me,” Halep said. “I can say it's amazing, because, you know, I can hear my name on court. So it's really nice to hear that. Gives me more power to fight and to win a match.”

Halep will face off with Flavia Pennetta in the round of 16 in Miami. Both are seeking their first quarterfinal appearance in South Florida.

Pennetta battled past Victoria Azarenka in two tough sets, 7-6(5), 7-6(6). She improved her career record to 2-2 against Azarenka in a back-and-forth match that featured eight breaks of serve.

In other early action on Sunday in Miami, Svetlana Kuznetsova reached the round of 16 with a three-set win over Angelique Kerber, and Sara Errani battled past Garbine Muguruza, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

 

Latest News