Serena Williams has qualified for Australian Open quarter final after defeating Simona Halep with a 6-1 4-6 6-4 win.
The 37-year-old dismantled Halep’s game to race through the opening set in 20 minutes.
Halep had defeated Serena’s sister Venus to set up the tie with Serena, okay reports.
Williams, seeded 16th, saved three break points at 3-3 in the decider, crucially winning the next game to seize control.
She comfortably held her next service game to edge closer, then served out for victory in one hour and 47 minutes.
Triumphantly punching the air with both arms as she gave a steely stare towards her box, Williams showed how much relief she felt at beating the world number one.
“It was an intense match and there were some incredible points, but I love being here,” she said.
