Photo: David Gray/Getty Images
The last time Serena Williams played at the Australian Open was in 2017 when she earned an Open era record of 23 Grand Slam singles title- while 8 weeks pregnant. Now, after beating world No. 1 Simona Halep 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round of the tournament, Williams has reached her 12th quarterfinal at the Australian Open.
The seven-time champion reigns supreme. @serenawilliams knocks out the world No.1 Simona Halep 6-1 4-6 6-4 to reach her 1⃣2⃣th #AusOpen quarterfinal. pic.twitter.com/bqFKeP8u81
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2019
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“I really needed to elevate my game because she’s the No. 1 player in the world and there’s a reason why,” Williams, who is a seven-time Australian Open champion, said during an on-court interview. “I’m such a fighter, I just never give up. It’s definitely something that’s innate. I just work so hard for every point.”
Williams has also been working hard to match Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam record of 24 singles titles, a goal that she has carried with her into 2019. The 37-year-old tennis great is set to face Karolina Pliskova in the quarterfinals as she continues her journey to make history… again.
As always, we’re rooting for you Serena!