Halep ‘almost dead’ after epic match
World No 1 Simona Halep saved three match points before rallying to an epic 4-6 6-4 15-13 win over the unseeded Lauren Davies.
Losing the first set to the American on Saturday morning, Halep was forced to dig deep to level the match, taking it in a final set.
That proved to be an epic lasting 143 minutes.
With neither player dropping their level, in fact raising it, they traded blows before Davis raced to a 40-0 lead – and three match points – on Halep’s serve at 11-10.
She failed to convert and was called on the trainer to treat a painful dislodged toe nail.
After a five minute break, the two were back at it, with Halep the next to bag match points – and on her own serve.
She claimed the three-set win in three hours and 47 minutes.
“Definitely was a very tough match, so long,” said Halep.
“I never played the third set so long, so I’m really happy I could stay and win it. I’m almost dead.”
“I just feel that my muscles are gone. My ankle is, I don’t know how it is because I don’t feel it anymore, but it was nice to be on court. It was nice to win this match.”
“My muscles are gone. My ankle – I don’t know how it is because I can’t feel it… It's great to be in 4R."
The world number 1️⃣, @Simona_Halep wins an incredible match to keep her #AusOpen campaign alive. pic.twitter.com/ddtJTR3ewL
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.