Serena Williams powers past Simona Halep to reach Australian Open semi-final

A second serve, a 130 kmph kicker to Serena Williams’ forehand was returned cross court at blistering pace. Simona Halep, the World No 2, had barely finished her service motion before the ball raced past her. The point was the first on Halep’s serve in the match. And in many ways, it set the tone for what was about to follow.

This quarterfinal Australian Open tie was the first time the two former World No 1s met since Halep beat Williams for the 2019 Wimbledon title. The American has since continued her search for the elusive 24th Grand Slam title that will take her level with Margaret Court for the all-time record.

On Tuesday, after an hour and 21 minutes, Williams took another step towards a major final after outhitting and out-defending Halep in a 6-3, 6-3 win.

Jim Courier asked Williams after the



match about that thunderous forehand winner on Halep’s first serve of the match.

“I just saw it, looked like a donut, I went for it,” came her answer.

It’s a given that whenever the attack-minded 39-year-old takes to court, her groundstrokes will travel fast and heavy. But she turned things up a notch in the Rod Laver Arena, pulling the trigger early on her shots and giving Halep, a defensive baseliner, not much time to settle.

Though she conceded 33 unforced errors, Williams’ 24 winners (compared to Halep’s nine) paid greater dividends, and on the crucial points.

“This was the best match I’ve played in this tournament, for sure,” Williams said.

“Obviously, I had to, going up against the No 2 in the world. I knew that I had to do better, and that’s what I did.”