Halep falls at first hurdle

Australian Open 2023: Simona Halep knocked out in the first round

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been knocked out of the Australian Open 2023 in the first round. The Romanian lost in straight sets to qualifier Wang Xinyu of China, 6-2, 6-3.

Halep, who was seeded 15th, was making her return to the Australian Open after missing last year's tournament due to injury. She had been in good form coming into the tournament, having won the WTA 125 title in Melbourne last week.

However, she was unable to carry that form into her first-round match against Wang. The Chinese qualifier, who is ranked 100th in the world, played aggressively from the start and never allowed Halep to settle into her rhythm.

Wang broke Halep's serve twice in the first set and once in the second set. Halep had chances to break back, but she was unable to convert any of them.

The defeat is a disappointing start to the year for Halep, who will now be hoping to bounce back at the next Grand Slam tournament, the French Open.

Halep's performance

Halep was not at her best in her first-round match against Wang. She made a number of unforced errors and was unable to find her rhythm on serve.

However, she did show some fight in the second set, breaking back once after Wang had taken an early lead. But she was unable to maintain that level of play and Wang eventually closed out the match.

Wang's performance

Wang played an excellent match against Halep. She was aggressive from the start and never allowed Halep to settle into her rhythm.

The Chinese qualifier hit some big winners and made very few unforced errors. She also served well, hitting seven aces.

Wang's victory is a major upset. She is now into the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.

Conclusion

Halep's defeat is a disappointing start to the year for the Romanian. However, she will be hoping to bounce back at the next Grand Slam tournament, the French Open.

Wang's victory is a major upset. She is now into the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.