Messi hits hat-trick in World Cup warmup
and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the opening set to world number 83 Riske whose only win at the tournament came in 2014, AFP reported.
The Romanian committed 16 unforced errors in the set but stepped up a gear from that point on to book a secondround match against Taylor Townsend of the US.
“It’s always difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam, you are always nervous,” said Halep whose opening round match had been cancelled on Tuesday due to torrential rain.
“But I started to run more, played better and kept more balls in play.”
Halep needs to reach the semi-finals or better if she is to retain the world top spot. Lionel Messi has sent an ominous warning out to his World Cup rivals, hitting a hat-trick as Argentina cruised to a 4-0 friendly win over Haiti on Tuesday.
The Barcelona star coolly slotted home a penalty to break the deadlock in the 17th minute before adding two more goals in eight second-half minutes at La Bombonera, ESPN reported.
Messi then turned provider, setting up substitute Sergio Aguero for the final goal with 21 minutes remaining.
“I want to thank all the fans that supported us tonight,” Messi told TYC Sports after the match.
“More than the result we were able to say goodbye to our fans and enjoy their support. I really appreciate all the love from our fans.
“We are not going to the World Cup as favorites but we are a great team with players ready to fight against anyone. This group of players have been together for a long time and we really want to go for an important title.
“We are going to Russia with all the enthusiasm. We will put all what we have on the field as our fans always ask. We are the first ones who want to accomplish the dream of winning the World Cup.”
Argentina along with Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia form Group D at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where Messi and his teammates play their opener against Iceland on June 16.
on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25, meaning if Salah takes four weeks to recover he could be fit in time for the knockout phases.
Egypt reached the tournament after Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to help the northeast African side beat Congo 2-1 in October.
Salah, who scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool after joining from Roma, was voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association this month, completing a sweep of England’s individual prizes and becoming the first African player to win the prestigious award.