Simona Halep displays title credentials by beating Elise Mertens in an hour

ByPaul Hassall

Updated 04/06/2018 at 14:04 GMT

Simona Halep put down a marker at the French Open by hammering No 16 seed Elise Mertens in just one hour to reach the quarter-finals.

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The world No 1 dismissed her Belgian opponent – who only avoided a second-set bagel by breaking when 5-0 down – 6-2 6-1.

Highlights: Halep battles past Mertens

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Halep, a French Open finalist in 2014 and 2017, broke for 2-1 in the opening set and never looked back as she outmanoeuvred Mertens, who was sent chasing the ball all over the court.

After the match, the world No 1, who has still not won a Grand Slam, said: "It was not that easy, she is a tough opponent.

I was a bit nervous at the start of the match but I played my best match here at Roland Garros.

"I need to be more aggressive and try to finish the points because I don't hit so many winners."

Halep will now face Angelique Kerber or Caroline Garcia in the last eight.

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