Alize Cornet news: ‘It’s just magic,’ says Frenchwoman after stunning win over ‘fighter’ Simona Halep

Alize Cornet is a quarter-finalist in the singles of a Grand Slam at the 63rd of asking after the Frenchman secured a dramatic win over Simaon Halep in the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Since 2005, Cornet had reached the fourth round of a major only five times before this year’s hard-court Grand Slam.
But she has gone at least one better at Melbourne Park after a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 upset victory over two-time Grand Slam winner Halep in two hours and 43 minutes in hot and humid conditions on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
A new chapter…
On her 63rd main draw appearance, @alizecornet is into her FIRST Grand Slam quarterfinal. The world No.61 upsets Simona Halep 6-4 3-6 6-4.#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/PwlBeFTPDA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2022
Both players struggled on serve with five breaks of serve in the opening set with Cornet edging it 3-2 while the roles were reversed in the second set as Halep won the break of serve battle 4-2.
By contrast, the deciding set had only one break of serve and the crucial game turned out to be game seven. After missing two match point opportunities in game nine, the 32-year-old wrapped things up at the third time of asking in the following game.
“It feels amazing,” Cornet said after the match.”It was a battle with Simona today in this heat after 30 minutes of the game we were both dying on the court. We kept going for two and a half hours with all our heart.
“Congrats to Simona because I know she struggled a lot and I admire this player so much. She’s such a fighter and an example to me. To beat her today to go to my first quarter-final is a dream come true. I don’t know what to say. It’s just magic.
“It’s never too late to try again.”
Up next is Danielle Collins from the United States after the 27th seed secured a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 19th seed Elise Mertens in just under three hours.
Latest
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu cops biggest fine so far at 2022 French Open after ‘unacceptable’ incident
Irina-Camelia Begu lucky not to be disqualified, but not so lucky with the fine.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal produces his ‘best match’ at 2022 French Open, up next Felix Auger-Aliassime and Uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal edges closer to potential Novak Djokovic showdown.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round
Novak Djokovic marches on at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Belinda Bencic fumes at umpire over time violation during defeat to Leylah Fernandez at Roland Garros
It’s Leylah Fernandez v Amanda Anisimova up next at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Why Carlos Alcaraz could be a hybrid of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Annabel Croft says Carlos Alcaraz has taken the best elements of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to build his game.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic ‘is back’ says John McEnroe as he makes world No 1 ‘very slight’ favourite for Roland Garros title
John McEnroe tipping Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu escapes disqualification after ’embarrassing moment’ left young fan in tears
“I just want to apologise,” says Irina-Camelia Begu.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon to finally ditch the ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs’ prefixes on its famous honours boards as it modernises
Welcome to 2022 Wimbledon.