Halep on difficult first-round loss to Sharapova: "She was better"

NEW YORK—Simona Halep didn't have any problem explaining Maria Sharapova's victory in their blockbuster first-round encounter at the US Open.

"She was better," Halep said. "She was serving better."

The match had been highly anticipated ever since second-seeded Halep drew former No. 1 Sharapova in the opening round, and fulfilled expectations when the two played a high-quality three-setter that went two hours and 43 minutes. Sharapova, who led 4-1 in the second set, survived a Halep rally and prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Sharapova received a wildcard into the tournament, with her ranking at No. 146 as she returns from an anti-doping suspension. She has won all seven meetings against Halep.

"It was a tough one for first round, for sure," said Halep. "But still I think I played okay. She played really well. It was a good match. It was good for the fans."

Halep's sole criticism of her own play was her serving.

"The percentage maybe was good, but was too slow. She could attack the return very easy," said the Romanian, who found herself consistently behind but won five games in a row to take the second set.

But nonetheless, Halep was satisfied with the way she competed, something she has been working to improve for most of this season.

"I gave everything I had," she said. "Today she was stronger. I have just to go and work harder, to improve in my serve."

Sharapova, who has received criticism from players following her suspension and experienced repeated injuries upon returning, reacted emotionally to the win, falling to her knees on the court and shedding some tears.

"I think it's a big victory for her," said Halep, a former US Open semifinalist and two-time Grand Slam runner-up. "She was staying away so many months. She's coming now. In my opinion, she played really well."

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