Serena makes tennis history with stunning win over world No.1

Serena Williams has survived a brutal encounter to defeat world No.1 Simona Halep and reach the Australian Open quarter-finals, continuing her quest for a record 24th grand slam title.

In a see-sawing contest on Rod Laver Arena, Williams put aside a sluggish period to win 6-1 4-6 6-4 in one hour and 47 minutes.

Williams blazed through the first set in just 20 minutes but had to fight tooth and nail to put away the valiant Halep.

The victory, just 16 months after giving birth to daughter Olympia, secures a remarkable 50th grand slam quarter-final appearance for the 37-year-old.

“It was a really intense match, and some incredible points,” Williams said.

“I love playing tennis, I love being out here, I love this court. It’s really cool to be back out here playing again on this court.”

The win gave Williams an astonishing piece of women’s tennis history as she became the oldest player to beat a world No.1:

Having dropped a miserly nine games on her path to the fourth round, Williams raced through the opening set and looked primed to make short work of her Romanian opponent.

Halep lifted in the second set, working Williams around the court and roaring and pumping her fists after fighting back to even the ledger.

But even Halep’s supreme defensive game wasn’t enough to stop Williams, who managed to find another gear after saving three break points down 3-2 in the deciding set.

“I really needed to elevate my game,” Williams said.

“She’s the No.1 player in the world and there’s a reason why … in order to stay out there I had to play a little bit like I knew I could.

“I am just a fighter, you know I just never give up. It’s definitely something that’s innate. I just work so hard for every point.”

Williams will face Karolina Pliskova in the quarters after the Czech seventh seed eliminated Garbine Muguruza in straight sets earlier on Monday.

Williams defeated Pliskova in straight sets in their quarter-final at the US Open last year.

“I didn’t play well that match, so for sure would be good revenge to play her again,” said Pliskova, who is yet to lose in 2019.

“I think I’m playing a little bit better than I was last year. Of course if Serena is playing at her best, then it’s tough because she can serve, put a lot of pressure on her returns.

“But she can also miss. So we will see.”

The defeat to Williams leaves Halep at risk of losing her No.1 ranking, with Japan’s Naomi Osaka among four rivals who could ascend the summit depending on their remaining results.

with AAP