Australian Open: Simona Halep defeats Elise Mertens

Simona Halep has secured her place in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

The Fourth Seed defeated Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-4 in Melbourne.

"I played Elise in the Doha final last year - I led by a set and was up 4-2 but lost the match," said Halep. "I knew I had to stay focused today. I was a little nervous at 4-3 but was strong enough to finish."

The Romanian will play Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the last eight.