Tennis news - Serena Williams comes through Simona Halep battle to reach last eight

ByBen Grounds

Updated 21/01/2019 at 13:33 GMT

Serena Williams gained the most significant victory since her return to tennis as she defeated world No 1 Simona Halep to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.

[WATCH AUSTRALIAN OPEN LIVE ON EUROSPORT AND EUROSPORT PLAYER]

The American defeated her opponent 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to reach a 12th Australian Open quarter-final.

The eight-time Melbourne champion recovered from being broken in her opening service to win six games in a row to take the first set in just 20 minutes on Monday.

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Halep looked vulnerable throughout the opener, but the Romanian broke back to level at 2-2 in the second before a missed backhand on the Williams serve forced a deciding set and brought the crowd to its feet.

It was the American who took charge of the third set after Halep put a forehand into the net, and after another forehand went long, Williams had served out the match.

Speaking on court afterwards, Williams said: "It was a really intense match with some incredible points. But I love playing tennis and it was really great to be out on this court.

Serena Williams frustrated not to win in straight sets, credits Halep for raising her game

She is the No 1 player in the world and there is a reason why, she elevates her game. I work so hard for every point, it's a miracle I'm here and this is my job. It's a super pleasure.

"I really needed to elevate my game [after the second set]. She's the number one player in the world for a reason. I just needed to show the way I can play, and hopefully that was 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."

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