Playing her 54th career Grand Slam quarterfinal, Serena Williams recorded a comfortable 6-3 6-3 victory over Simona Halep at the 2021 Australian Open.
Even though Williams’ early 2-0 lead was quickly neutralized by Halep who leveled to 2-2, the American took control back and won the first set without much trouble.
Seed No.2 Halep was twice up a break in the second set, but never consolidated and from 1-3 down Williams surged through five straight games to triumph in one hour and 21 minutes.
Williams’ semifinal opponent will be third seed Naomi Osaka, who cruised past doubles world No.