Serena Williams knocks out world’s number 1 Simona Halep to reach the quarter-finals of the 2019 Australian Open.

37 year old Serena Williams, missed last year’s Australian Open after giving birth to her daughter months earlier and suffering health complications. Since returning to the tour, she has reached the past two Grand Slam finals, losing both.

On Monday, the mother-of-one outlasted Simona Halep at Melbourne Park and won the fourth round match with a 6-1 4-6 6-4 victory.

Speaking on court, Williams said:It was a really intense match, some incredible points. I love playing tennis, I love this court and it’s really cool to be back out here playing.

I really needed to elevate my game and there’s a reason why. She’s a great player. I had to just play a little bit like I knew I could and I did, and I think hopefully that was the difference.

I’m such a fighter, I never give up. There’s definitely something that’s innate.

Serena will now face Czech, Karolina Pliskova in the quarter final.