New Delhi: Romanian tennis player Simona Halep was crushed by French player Alize Cornet 1-2 in round four of the Australia Open 2022 at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, on Monday, January 24, 2022. The weather was against the former Grand Slam champion as she struggled to play amidst the scorching heat.
The opening set had Cornet earning the first breakpoint. She was leading with 3-1 scores as Halep tried gaining momentum. Though Halep went to break twice, at 3-1 and 5-3, Cornet instantly broke back and wrapped the set 6-4.
Halep made a comeback in the next set despite the unbearable heat. Though Cornet seemed to take charge, Halep fought back aggressively. She charged rallies and won 5 games in a row as her opponent made 16 unforced errors. Halep aced the set with 6-3.
The gruelling decider had Halep and Cornet locking horns at a 3-3serve. Cornet produced a backhand to get a breakpoint while Halep hit the net. Halep tried to save two match points but in vain. Cornet won the set 6-4 and proceeded to the Quarterfinals.
Alize Cornet will play her first Grand Slam quarterfinals against American player Danielle Collins on Wednesday, January 24, 2022.
(Avya Mathur)
