While this year’s Australian Open offering some surprises, the favorites have mainly held their own so far. This includes Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, who both booked the ticket for the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Williams saw some challenges from the No. 2-ranked Simona Halep but still managed to finish the job in straight sets and get a 6-3, 6-3 win.
The 39-year-old American won the first set easily, being in front every step of the way. Halep responded well in the second, starting with a 3-1 lead where it seemed like Williams had her work cut out for her.
Still, Williams managed to turn things around and won five straight sets to stay in the tournament.
“I think this was the best match I have played at this tournament for sure,” said Williams after the match. “I knew it had to be going up against the No. 2 in the world. I had to be better, and I was, so I’m excited.”
Williams will play Naomi Osaka on Thursday for a place in the finals.
Djokovic, on the other hand, scored a win against the No. 6-ranked Alexander Zverev.
Despite losing the first set in the tiebreaker, the Serbian kept his composure and went on to produce a dominant performance in the next two sets and get ahead with 6-2 and 6-4 wins.
Zverev came close to taking the match to five sets but couldn’t capitalize on a 3-0 lead in the fourth. Djokovic found a way back and took the set in the tiebreaker, where he came out on the winning end.
Djokovic is now set to play this year’s sensation Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final bout.
