Australian Open: Simona Halep defeats Elise Mertens

WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Simona Halep has secured her place in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

The Fourth Seed defeated Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-4 in Melbourne.

"I played Elise in the Doha final last year - I led by a set and was up 4-2 but lost the match," said Halep. "I knew I had to stay focused today. I was a little nervous at 4-3 but was strong enough to finish."

The Romanian will play Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the last eight.

More from Sports News

  • F1 commission agrees to shorter races from 2027

    The governing FIA's Formula One commission has agreed on Monday to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305km to 290km from 2027, cutting races by two or three laps.

  • Spain extend coach Luis de la Fuente to 2032

    The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced Monday that its board of directors has unanimously approved an extension of coach Luis de la Fuente's contract until 2032.

  • Infantino says he is open to talks over FIFA reform

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed an outside review of how the governing body makes major decisions on Monday, acknowledging in a letter to members that its handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused concern.

  • Troubled Marseille lose fifth straight as PSG win

    Captain Marquinhos has snatched the winner as champions Paris St Germain won 2-1 at troubled Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday, condemning the hosts to a fifth successive loss and a spot in the relegation zone.

Blogs