Simona Halep admits first-round nerves at Australian Open

Simona Halep has fired out a warning message to Australian Open second-round opponent Jarmila Gajdosova, claiming that she will only improve as the tournament goes on.

The 23-year-old got her season off to a solid enough start with a straight-sets victory over Karin Knapp at Melbourne Park this morning to set up a meeting with world number 62 Gajdosova.

"It was a tough match for me and I was very nervous before the match," the Romanian told reporters. "But I'm very happy now and I'm sure that next time I'll play better."

Gajdosova secured her path into the last 64 with a first win in 10 attempts at the Grand Slam event, and later vowed to "fight" Halep when they face off later this week.