On Thursday the two-time Grand Slam winner beat Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in straight-sets. The former world number one beat Flipkens 7-5 and 6-4 to advance.

Following the match, the former junior champion at SW19, Flipkens, used the opportunity to announce her retirement from the sport.

“Wimbledon was on top of my bucket list. It will always be so special for me,” she said.

“To be able to finish my career in singles, against a champion like Simona, on a court like this, in front of a crowd like this, it is a dream.”

In response Halep said the moment was all about the 36-year-old Belgian opponent who served the game with aplomb for nearly two decades.

“Definitely it is not about my match today. It is about her. I am really happy I can play the last match with her,” she said.

“I have learned many things from her. Before this match, I was shaking. She is cutting the rhythm. She is playing amazing. She is a great champion. She never gives up.”

Halep will face Magdalena Frech of Poland in the next round.

Meanwhile the world number one Iga Swiatek has also advanced following a 6-4, 4-6 and 6-3 win over Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove of the Netherlands.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport