Serena Williams claimed she is “excited” about her level of play after powering past Simona Halep to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. And the American superstar will now face tournament favourite Naomi Osaka in a blockbuster last-four tie as she bids to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam
Williams gained revenge for defeat to the Romanian in their last meeting in the 2019 Wimbledon final by winning 6-3, 6-3.
And in a match of nine breaks of serve, the world No 11 admitted she raised her level against the world No 2 to reach her 40th Grand Slam semi-final.
“Yes I definitely think this is the best match I have played this tournament for sure,” Williams said.
“Obviously I had to going up against the No 2 player in the world. So I knew I had to do better and that is what I did. I am excited.
“This is such a good opportunity for me to keep doing my best. This is the first Grand Slam of the year and I have had such a long, arduous off-season so I am really happy with every win that I get.”
Her coach Patrick Mouratoglou claimed before the quarter-final that Williams, now 39, is moving her best since returning to the sport as a mother.
And she got off to a flying start by breaking Halep to lead 2-0 before the Romanian levelled the match at 2-2. Williams broke again and took the first set with a service winner in 36 minutes.
The second set saw four consecutive breaks of serve beore Williams took control from 1-3 down to win the last five games. She won in 80 minutes despite mixing 24 winners with 33 unforced errors.