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World No.2 Simona Halep goes head-to-head against qualifier Shuai Chang from China in the opening round of the Australian Open. Join The Roar for live scores from 7pm (AEDT).
Halep enjoyed her best season to date last year, winning three titles, which included a Masters 1000 victory at Indian Wells.
The Romanian also made the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of the US Open, where she lost to eventual champion Flavia Pennetta.
Her preparation however hasn’t been the best so far, losing at this year’s Sydney International to two-time grand slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets.
On her day however, the former French Open finalist is one of the fittest players on tour. She is similar to David Ferrer when it comes to playing style and tenacity on court, and will make her opposition work for their wins.
The Romanian also hits a solid forehand and backhand, and her movement is one of the best on the WTA tour. If she remains on song for the next fortnight, she has the temperament to win her first grand slam title.
However, Halep must first take care of Chang, who has nothing to lose against one of the tournament favourites.
As proven by her first-round Wimbledon exit last year, Halep can be suspect to losing to players she is expected to beat, and can’t afford to be complacent against little-known opposition.
Barring a major disaster, Halep should progress to the second round in straight sets.