Serena beats top seed Halep to reach Australian Open quarterfinals

Tournament favourite, Serena Williams has scaled through to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after beating top seed, Simona Halep.

The 37-year-old American knocked out the world number one 6-1 4-6 6-4 in a stunning match in Melbourne.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, seeded 16th, continues her quest for her first Grand Slam title since coming back from pregnancy last year.

The win over Halep was Williams’ biggest victory since her return from maternity leave, and her ninth win out of her 10 meetings with the Romanian.

Read Also: Remo Stars issue warning to fans after referee was beaten following a home draw

Williams speaking on court after the victory: “It was a really intense match. Some incredible points. I love playing tennis, being out here, and it’s really cool to be back out and playing again on this court.

“I really needed to elevate my game. She’s the number one player in the world and there’s a reason why. She’s a great player.

“I had to play a little bit like I knew I could, and I did, and hopefully that’s the difference.

“I’m such a fighter. I never give up. It’s something that’s innate. It’s a miracle I’m here and I get to do something I enjoy.”

Serena will now face Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova, who beat Spain’s two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza earlier on Monday.

If Williams goes on to extend her record victories in Melbourne, she will equal Australian Margaret Court’s all-time tally of 24 Grand Slam titles.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now