Serena Williams makes the ultimate statement of intent as she beats world No 1 Simona Halep to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals
- Serena Williams beat Simona Halep 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 at the Australian Open
- American lifted herself at crucial times against world No 1 to reach last eight
- It is the most significant win since Williams returned to the court after childbirth
- She will face Karolina Pliskova, the seventh seed, in the quarter-finals
- The win came after Serena made an embarrassing gaffe when walking out
Serena Williams made the ultimate statement when she overcame world No 1 Simona Halep to fight through to the quarter final of the Australian Open.
Under severe pressure from the Romanian, and with her movement skills properly tested, she won 6-1 4-6 6-4 in an hour and 47 minutes.
Williams showed that she has not lost the ability to lift herself at the crucial times, and did so again when staring at going a break down in the middle of the decider.
Serena Williams celebrates after winning a point during her fourth round match with Halep
The American defeated No 1 Halep 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to reach another Australian Open quarter-final
Another severe test awaits, against big-serving seventh seed Karolina Pliskova, who was impressive in beating Jo Konta’s late night conqueror Garbine Muguruza 6-3 6-1.
‘It was really intense match and some incredible points but I love playing tennis and being out here,’ said Williams. ‘I really needed to elevate my game, I had to play like I knew I could and that was hopefully the difference.
‘I’m such a fighter I just never give up. It’s definitely something that’s innate. It’s a miracle I’m here and I get to do something I enjoy. I keep fighting for every point.’
This was Williams’s first match against a world No 1 since returning to the tour following childbirth. She was facing the speedy Romanian for the tenth time, having amassed a 8-1 record in their previous meetings.
Williams proved too strong for Halep as her pursuit of another Slam continues in Melbourne
Halep was second best for large part of the contest as she succumbed in the fourth round
Things got off to a strange start when the American walked out upon hearing ‘please welcome the world No 1’ from the announcer, only to have to sheepishly walk straight back into the tunnel on realising her mistake (she is currently ranked 16th).
The two traded breaks in the first two games but thereafter Williams bore down on her opponent, reeling off five games and the first set, her power too much even for Halep’s retrieving skills.
The American looked to be cruising at a break up in the second set, but Halep started to get more purchase on her returns against a player who has come in here – again – with little tennis behind her.
Serena Williams suffered an embarrassing gaffe before her game at with Simona Halep at the Australian Open. Hearing the announcement ‘world No 1’ she walked out to the court
Unfortunately that was meant for her opponent Halep, meaning Williams, the current No 16 in the world, had to perform an embarrassing u-turn
The American walked back off court at the Rod Laver Arena after realising her gaffe
Moments later, Romanian world No 1 Halep took to the court with a broad smile on her face
Halfway through the third set Williams was blowing hard and looking positively sluggish in trying to reach her opponent’s deep drives into the corner, and had to save three break points to hang on for 3-3.
She then reverted to the Williams of the opening set, helped by Halep’s first serve percentage dipping, and her weight of shot began to inflict damage.
She broke for 4-3 when Halep netted a straightforward forehand, and then managed to close it out with rock solid serving.