NEW YORK (AFP) - Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, battling back from injury, advanced to the second round of the US Open on Monday (Aug 30) as the hardcourts showdown began before full-capacity crowds.

The 29-year-old Romanian 12th seed defeated Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) to book a second-round match against Slovakian lucky loser Kristina Kucova, who ousted American Ann Li 7-5, 6-1.