Top seed Simona Halep overcomes major scare and horror injury to beat teen Destanee Aiava

Top seed Simona Halep almost lost the first set to teenage wild card Destanee Aiava and then suffered a nasty injury before recovering to win 7-6(5) 6-1 in the first round of the Australian Open.

Simona Halep of Romania struggles after injuring her ankle in her first round match against Destanee Aiava

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Halep was 5-2 down in the first set to the 17-year-old Australian, who looked fearless as she took on the woman top of the WTA rankings.

But Aiava, who had two set points, seemed to suffer from exhaustion and required treatment, with Halep fighting back to win a tie-break.

Highlights: Halep through after injury scare

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Romanian then went over on her ankle in seemingly disastrous fashion in the second set, but following treatment returned to court.

She showed all her experience as Aiava faded badly – but the 17-year-old’s performance on Rod Laver Arena will not be forgotten.

Halep: I am worried about my ankle injury

Video credit: TNT Sports