Serena Williams takes the spoils in Australian Open Simona Halep epic

Serena Williams came through a major test at the Australian Open, beating world number one Simona Halep to move into the quarter-finals.

Williams needed just 20 minutes to claim the first set before Halep could even settle, but ultimately had to fight hard for her 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win.

Halep enjoyed the best of a tight second set, breaking Williams’final service game to pinch the set.

The decider was even tighter, but swung Williams way when she held under huge pressure from Halep before breaking the following game.

“I’m such a fighter. I never give up.”

You can say that again @serenawilliams 🙌#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lvPE49CWE7

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2019

“It was an intense match and there were some incredible points, but I love being here,” Williamd said.

Williams now faces Karolina Pliskova in the quarterfinals after the Czech breezed past Garbine Muguruza in straight sets.

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