Simona Halep: 'I will improve in second round'

Simona Halep has insisted that she will produce an improved performance in the last 64 after grinding out a win over Evgeniya Rodina in the French Open first round.

The third seed was short of her best as she recorded a 7-5 6-4 victory, but the Romanian was satisfied with her display in her opening match of the tournament.

The 23-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It was a tough match because it was first round and always it is difficult to start the tournament.

"Yes, I did make some easy mistakes, but it's normal and I accept that. Next round I will be better for sure."

Halep, last year's runner-up, will play Croatian Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the next round.