It was a first half close battle between Iga Swiatek v Simona Halep in Section 8 of this R4 Clash. Both players tied 3-3 through the initial halfway mark. But Swiatek pulled off the 2nd half portion lead away from Halep. As Switatek who is the 15th seed wins Stage 1 6-3.
But the second stage saw Halep bounce back real quick to prevent Swiatek from winning in straight sets. Where this portion was too good for the World No.2. With Swiatek only registered a point when she was behind 3-1. And not much progress there to hold Halep up 6-1 after the 2nd stage. Having just passed the one hour mark that will go into the 3rd & final stage of this tie. The winner will get to face the 10th seed Serena Williams in the 4th Quarter-Final.
Halep has the upper hand to take the overall lead ahead of Swiatek for the first time 2-0. Swiatek is doing everything possible to save her game. When she duels a lot with Halep. Especially in the deuces section. So Swiatek can close in on the Romanian before she can weather the storm. The Pole was a game away from being eliminated at the first attempt 3-5. Where Swiatek won a point to go 4-5. But just felt a tad short by two points in the end. Simona Halep wrapped this game up in one hour & 50 mins, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6.
Oh so close for Iga Swiatek who is aged 19 from Poland have played so well. She has the ability to fire off as demonstrated with her natural talent. As well as some close battles to hold Simona Halep back. Halep is a tough opponent where Swiatek does not let opponents walk past her easily. The only weakness is maintaining the momentum & executing these conversions. Swiatek has a big future ahead though with as a future grand slam champion.
While Halep might have lost some ground during the 2nd half of the 1st set. Where she lost to Swiatek 3-6. But Halep compensated this slow start with a very easy 2nd set run. Where she denied Swiatek a straight sets chance into the 3rd set. Before Halep profited her reprieve by escaping the 15th seed unscathed. With a Quarter-Finals meeting awaits v Serena Williams. It was a very close match tonight that was not easy. But Halep is glad to continue her journey here.
We look forward to the second week of the Grand Slam in Melbourne. Having ticked off the 1st week. With the remaining Round 4 games to wrap up before the Quarter Finals begin. And we hope by Day 11 when the fans are allowed to attend these games.