By Daily Sports on January 22, 2019

Serena Williams outlined why she is the favourite to win the Australian Open with a 6-1 4-6 6-4 win over top seed Simona Halep in a high-quality last-16 match.

The 37-year-old American dismantled Halep’s game to race through the opening set in 20 minutes.

Romania’s Halep, 27, recovered in the second, breaking in what proved to be the final game.Williams, seeded 16th, saved three break points for 3-3 in the decider, crucially winning the next game to seize control.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion comfortably held her next service game to edge closer, then served out for victory over last year’s runner-up in one hour and 47 minutes.

Triumphantly punching the air with both arms as she gave a steely stare towards her box, Williams showed how much relief she felt at beating the world number one.

“It was an intense match and there were some incredible points, but I love being here,” she said

Yet Halep summoned every bit of her fighting qualities to stay on serve in the second, cutting down the unforced errors and making Williams move more to great success.

With the set still delicately poised, Halep won eight of the final 11 points to force a decider.

That was equally hard fought, Halep staving off Williams in a lengthy opening game, before a sixth that proved pivotal.

Halep earned three break points – her first opportunities of the final set – but a 171km/h serve down the middle, followed by a weak forehand from the Romanian and another booming serve, saw the chance slip.

That allowed Williams to take control at the crucial moment, Halep making another unforced error with a forehand to hand over the break. “I’m such a fighter. I never give up. It’s something that’s innate,” Williams said.

“It’s a miracle I’m here and I get to do something I enjoy.” (BBC)

•Photo shows Serena Williams 

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 22, 2019

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