Serena Williams showed class again, as she knocks out world number one Simona Halep 6-1 4-6 6-4 at the ongoing Australian Open to reach the quarterfinals.
Serena Williams was in good form as she overcame severe pressure from the Romanian Halep, and with her movement skills properly tested, she was able to defeat world number one in a game that lasted 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.
With the defending champion and world number one out, Serena who was really tested today and overcame the test will now face another tough opponent in Karolina Pliskova, who won her game.
‘It was a 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.
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