The match between Serena Williams and Simona Halep in round 32 of the 2019 Australian Open was widely regarded as “finals before finals,” and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Williams managed to outlast Halep, who is the best-ranked woman tennis player in the world and the tournament’s first seed, in a thrilling 6:1, 4:6, 6:4 clash filled with momentum swings and excellent tennis
The biggest moment came in the third set when Halep had three break points that would give her 4:2 lead. Still, the 27-year-old Romanian couldn’t close out the gem, with Williams managing to get 3-all and get the momentum on her side. The 37-year-old American then managed to get a 4:3 break and didn’t lose the control until the end.
“It was a really intense match, and it was some incredible points,” – said Williams after the match. “I love playing tennis and I love to play here and I love to be back out here.”
“In order for me to stay out there, I had to play a little like I knew I could,” – she added. “I’m such a fighter. I just never give up. It’s definitely something that’s innate. I just work so hard for every point.”
Serena Williams, who entered the 2019 Australian Open as the 16th seed, will now face seventh-seeded Karolina Pliskova in the quarterfinals. Williams is in the hunt for her eighth Australian Open title, which would also give her 24th Grand Slam title and tie her with Margaret Court on the all-time list.