| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. Halep (ROU) (1) | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| S. Williams (USA) [16] | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by S. Williams | 4 - 6 | S. Williams leads 1 to 2 |
| Set won by S. Halep | 6 - 4 | S. Halep has tied the match at 1 set all |
| Set won by S. Williams | 1 - 6 | S. Williams leads 0 to 1 |
There is a spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals up for grabs tonight, as the world No.1 Simona Halep takes on Serena Williams. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7pm (AEDT).
This match would be more than worthy of a final. Serena Williams’ seeding at 16 is reflective of her reduced schedule rather than her form.
After a slow start to her Australian summer losing to Ash Barty in Sydney, Simona Halep has worked herself into the Australian Open quite nicely.
After two tight three-set matches in the first two rounds, Halep played some great tennis in the third round to beat Venus Williams, a matchup that was seen beforehand as dangerous.
Her 6-2 6-3 was characterised by 21 winners and only 12 unforced errors. She will need to match that tonight to have any chance against Serena.
Such is Serena Williams’ ability, she can seemingly play a reduced schedule and pick up where she left off.
A runner up at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018, Williams will be very keen to win this year’s Australian Open.
She has started the tournament in ominous form, losing only nine games on the way to the fourth round.
Her 6-2 6-1 third round win over Dayana Yastremska featured 20 winners and only 13 unforced errors. Her first serve percentage was 68 and she won 85 per cent of those points.
Prediction
There is a tale in the head to head, with Serena winning eight of their nine matches, although their last meeting was way back in 2016.
I think Halep will put up a fight tonight, but I expect Williams to get home in a close one.
Serena Williams to win in 3 sets
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7pm (AEDT).
David Holden
Roar Guru
I'm off to have some dinner. Good night all
David Holden
Roar Guru
Yes, that was the difference in the end
David Holden
Roar Guru
Barty !!!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Yes, saving those break points down 3-2 lifted Williams but also deflated Halep. Those two big serves under pressure were massive
Simoc
Guest
Some great tennis in the last set. Williams fantastic on the big points.
David Holden
Roar Guru
On her form displayed tonight, it will take a fantastic performance to stop Serena Williams from winning her 8th Australian Open title! What did you think of the match, Roarers?
David Holden
Roar Guru
Serena Williams has set up a quarter final with Karolina Pliskova after beating Simona Halep in 3 sets. In the end, Williams played the big points better and deserved the win. The turning point for me was when Williams saved 3 break points when down 3-2 in the decider. If Halep had taken one of those, the end result may have been different
R N
Roar Rookie
Well done Williams! Looked absolutely spent... but she sure does know how to win the big points!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Wild backhand from Williams. 0-15 Great tennis from Williams running Halep all over the court. 15-15 Serve down the T forces the error. 30-15 Backhand crosscourt winner brings up 2 match points. 40-15 Halep hits her crosscourt forehand long and Williams has prevailed GAME SET MATCH SERENA WILLIAMS 6-1 4-6 6-4 Halep 1 6 4 Williams 6 4 6
R N
Roar Rookie
Williams tanked that game to save energy for her serve! Smart...
David Holden
Roar Guru
Williams just misses the backhand. 15-0 Good serve draws an error. 30-0 Serve to the body forces the mistake. 40-0 Good serve to the backhand followed by a backhand down the line for a winner. Williams will now serve for the match Halep 1 6 4 Williams 6 4 5
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sliding serve forces the error. 15-0 Big rally from Serena and a backhand down the line winner. 30-0 Halep goes long with her forehand and its 40-0 Williams nets a backhand down the line. 40-15 Sliding serve is unplayable and Williams is one game away Halep 1 6 3 Williams 6 4 5
David Holden
Roar Guru
How important now is the Williams hold at 3-2 down!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Williams backhand return is too good. 0-15 Good serve and backhand down the line. 15-15 Fantastic point from both players before an angled forehand from Halep. 30-15 Williams jumps on the second serve and hits the backhand winner. 30-30 Good serve to the forehand draws the error. 40-30 Great backhand approach and half volley from Williams. Deuce Williams attacks the second serve with a forehand. Break point Halep has netted a forehand and Williams has the break Halep 1 6 3 Williams 6 4 4
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good defence again from Halep and Williams hits a forehand long. 0-15 Great tennis from Halep and she finishes it with a forehand winner. 0-30 Sliding serve gets it to 15-30 Good serve to the backhand and cross court forehand wins. 30-30 Great retrieving again from Halep and forehand on the run gets her a break point. 30-40 Huge serve down the T and deuce Great forehand down the line from Halep and another break point Halep mishits a forehand and perhaps a missed opportunity Great sliding serve is unplayable. Great court coverage from Halep again and we are back at deuce Incredible off backhand winner from Halep and a 3rd break point Huge serving under pressure and we are back to deuce Big forehand winner sets up game point for Williams Halep gets a lucky net cord at a very lucky time. Deuce Sliding serve ace gives Williams another break point Williams has held with a backhand down the line. That game could be pivotal Halep 1 6 3 Williams 6 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Backhand error from Williams. 15-0 Williams just misses the backhand down the line. 30-0 Halep's crosscourt forehand drops in. 40-0 Good serve to the backhand and now Halep holds to love Halep 1 6 3 Williams 6 4 2
Aw
Guest
All i hope is a non-grunter or not so louder grunter wins the open. Halep's grunting, while not as loud as Sharapova, is still disgraceful!!
R N
Roar Rookie
Halep will break Williams next serve...
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sliding serve and forehand winner from Williams. 15-0 Halep goes long with her backhand return. 30-0 Ace down the T at 182km/hr 40-0 Another big ace and an easy hold Halep 1 6 2 Williams 6 4 2