Day 8 of Australian Open 2019, and the round of sixteen. First match in the night session on Rod Laver Arena was:
Simona Halep (1) (ROM) v Serena Williams (16) (USA)
Williams served first.
Halep broke immediately, a love game ending with a Williams double fault. Williams struck straight back, a backhand winner on the third of three break points. 1-1.
Two winners from the Williams racquet as she held for 2-1. Two break points, as Williams forced three forehand errors. Halep was broken with an unforced error. 3-1 Williams
More Williams winners as she held to lead 4-1. Successive backhand winners from the USA, and three break points. Two saved, but a Williams forehand winner achieved the break and 5-1.
A love game, finished with an ace, and the set was over. Williams leading 6-1 in about 20 minutes.
Halep more competitive in set two. She served first.
An ace and two forehand winners for a service hold in the opening game. 1-0. A love game from Williams with a trio of winners. 1-1.
Williams broke Halep on the second of two break points, with a forehand winner, and led 2-1. Halep broke straight back, a Williams unforced error on the second of two break points. 2-2.
No break points faced until Williams was serving at 4-5.
A Halep backhand winner brought up set point, and a Williams unforced backhand error meant that Halep had taken the set 6-4
The opening game of the decider saw Halep at 40-15. She slipped to facing break point due to winners from Williams. This was saved, and Halep eventually held for 1-0. Williams was taken to deuce before levelling at 1-1. A love game for Halep and 2-1. One also for Williams. 2-2.
The third straight love game was Halep’s, and she led 3-2.
In a game of five deuces, Halep could not convert three break chances, and Williams critically held serve for 3-3.
Halep had game point but a Williams winner dismissed that. A break point arrived and an unforced Halep error donated the game to Williams who led 4-3.
The next two games were won quickly to serve, leaving Williams to serve for the match.
After losing the first point, Williams delivered two winners which created match points. An unforced Halep error and it was over.
Serena Williams won 6-1 4-6 6-4 to advance to a quarter final against Karolina Pliskova.
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