Simona Halep: 'I feel a lot stronger after Kateryna Bondarenko victory'

Second seed Simona Halep has said that she 'feels stronger' after defeating Kateryna Bondarenko in straight sets at the US Open.

The Romanian did not play to her potential during the victory but was pleased to come through the tie unscathed.

"I didn't play my best tennis, but luckily it was enough to win today. Kateryna is amazing, you know, coming back after two years she fought on every point until the end. I am very happy," Halep told ESPN.

"I think I lost my mind last year. You know, everything happening so quickly. World number two, a Grand Slam final. I think I was just too excited about that. But now I feel a lot stronger."

Halep has never progressed past the fourth round at the US Open.