![Simona Halep [Photo credit: YouTube]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2018/01/Australian-Open-e1516444672235.jpg?fit=1000%2C700&ssl=1)
It took almost four hours but finally world No.1, Simona Halep got the better of world No.76, Lauren Davis after which she confessed to being literally ‘dead’ on her feet.
“Was very tough match. So long. I never played a third set so long. So I’m really happy that I could stay and win it. I’m almost dead.”
Halep saved three match points before finally fighting off the American’s challenge in 4-6 6-4 15-13.
The three hours 45 minutes battle equalled the longest ever match at the Australian Open – the 1999 quarter-final clash between Chanda Rubin and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.
Halep continued: “I have no idea how much I run, I just know that my muscles are gone. My ankle – I can’t feel it any more. But it was nice to win and to again be in the fourth round of this tournament is great.”
Halep had twisted her left ankle in her first round match against 17-year-old Australian, Destanee Aiava but she continues into the fourth round, seeking her first Grand Slam title.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Young Nigerian Gymnasts used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO: NAN]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/10/WhatsApp-Image-2021-07-18-at-4.35.00-PM.jpeg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION