MELBOURNE, January 19, 2019
Simona Halep is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open. With a hugely impressive performance, the World No 1. defeated US-American Venus Williams 6-2, 6-3 in Saturday’s night session.
After two tough encounters earlier in the week, Halep breezes through to the second week in dominant fashion. The 27-year-old from Romania won 68 of the 116 total points played to advance in one hour and 17 minutes.
“I think I played the best match here this year. I am really happy about the way I played. Of course it is always a big challenge to play against the Williams sisters so i was super motivated to play today. I enjoyed the atmosphere,” Halep said.
Halep awaits another Williams sister in seven-time Australian Open champion Serena, a match in which she has “nothing to lose”.
Halep commented on her upcoming encounter: “Not easy. I just have to enjoy, give my best. Actually, I have nothing to lose. I play against a great champion so it is going to be a bigger challenge but I am ready to face it.”
“It’s going to be a bigger challenge, but I’m ready to face it.” – @Simona_Halep on playing another Williams sister, #Serena next.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/2emVY5NA4Q
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 19. Januar 2019
Garbine Muguruza will be delighted to have progressed in quick fashion through to the fourth round following her early morning finish against Johanna Konta on Friday. The two-time Grand Slam champion from Spain defeated Timea Bacsinszky from Switzerland 7-6(5), 6-2 in one hour and 54 minutes.
Zverev beats Bolt
In the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev ended the run of Australian wild card entry Alex Bolt with a ruthless 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 win. The No. 4 seed from Germany broke serve six times to advance in one hour and 52 minutes. Coach Ivan Lendl can be pleased with the 21-year-old German’s victory, having made hard work of Jeremy Chardy in the previous round.
Zverev will next be challenged by Milos Raonic. The 28-year-old Canadian edged out Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(6) in about two hours of play.
What happened off the court?
When you are Roger Federer but forgot your badge and security doesn’t know who you are.
“I don’t care who you are, mate – you’re not coming in”
Even GOATs need their accreditation, right @rogerfederer? 😂 pic.twitter.com/qk5mecaUVr
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 19. Januar 2019
Day/Night Attendance: 93,178
This is an Australian Open Day/Night session record – previous record AO 2018 (87,438).
