Simona Halep vs Serena Williams
Australian Open
Date: Monday, January 21
Time: 8am GMT
Venue: Rod Laver Arena
Serena Williams will take on world No.1 Simona Halep after she produced a very impressive performance to defeat Venus Williams 6-2 6-3.
Halep arrived in Melbourne short on matches and struggled through her first two rounds against Kaia Kanepi and Sofia Kenin but found her form spectacularly here despite having her left thigh heavily taped.
Halep hit 21 winners, the last of them a forehand on the final point, and won 20 more points than her opponent.
The Romanian, the runner-up 12 months ago, said: "It's been a great match. I'm really happy with how I played. Of course it's always a challenge to play against the Williams sisters so I was super motivated today."
Of facing Serena next, Halep said: "Not easy. I have just to enjoy, to give my best. I have nothing to lose, I play against a great champion. It's a big challenge but I'm ready to face it."
Start time
The match will take place at the Rod Laver arena, from around 8am GMT.
TV, online and live stream information
The Australian Open is available on Amazon Prime Video and Eurosport in the UK.
You will be able to follow all the action from Melbourne with Standard Sport's dedicated LIVE blog.
Head to Head record
Serena Williams and Simona Halep have faced one another on nine occasions, with the American winning all but one of those contests.
Halep’s only victory over Williams came back in 2015 in the semi-finals at Indian Wells, which the Romanian went on to win.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Odds subject to change
- Halep win priced at: 21/10
- Williams win priced at: 5/13
Click here for the latest odds
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