Australian Open: Serena Williams muscles past top seed Simona Halep into quarters
Melbourne: Serena Williams faced her first real test at this year's Australian Open and emerged with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over No. 1-ranked Simona Halep to reach the quarterfinals.
It was a back-and-forth match filled with momentum swings and terrific play by both.
Williams gained control for good after saving three break points in a monumental game to hold for 3-all in the third set. She then broke for a 4-3 lead and finally was on her way.
The 37-year-old American is trying to win an eighth championship at Melbourne Park and record-tying 24th Grand Slam title overall.
Williams next meets 2016 U.S. Open runner-up Karolina Pliskova.
The seven-time champion reigns supreme. @serenawilliams knocks out the world No.1 Simona Halep 6-1 4-6 6-4 to reach her 1⃣2⃣th #AusOpen quarterfinal. pic.twitter.com/bqFKeP8u81
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2019
