Top seed Simona Halep has been warned that she is ‘taking a risk’ with her ankle injury as she battles into the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The world No.1 outlasted Lauren Davis in an epic counter on the Rod Laver Arena. Halep prevailed 15-13 in the final set of the match, which lasted three hours and 47 minutes. Making it the longest women’s match in terms of games ever at the Australian Open. Tying with Chanda Rubin’s win over Arantxa Sanchez Vicario back in 1996.
“I gave everything I had today, and actually, I’m really proud that I could stay there and win it. It was not easy at all. She played great.” Said Halep.
The marathon clash was a key test of Halep’s current fitness amid worries about injury. Earlier this week the Romanian twisted her ankle on the court during her match against Destanee Aiava. It appears as if she has recovered well from the setback as she moved around the court with relative ease, but doubts remain. During her press conference on Saturday, she confirmed that she is still struggling with pain in that area.
“It’s sore. I felt the pain. It’s not recovered.” The 26-year-old admitted.
“It’s impossible to recover after. After this match I think tomorrow is gonna be worse, but I just push, push myself, and we will see what’s gonna happen.”
The resistance of the Romanian is one to be admired. In Melbourne she is bidding to win a grand slam title for the first time in her career after settling for runner-up twice at Roland Garros. At the Australian Open itself, she is yet to progress beyond the quarter-final stage. Reaching the last eight of the tournament in 2014 and 2015.
“The doctor said that the risk is there because it’s an injury, but I believe that it’s gonna be fine.”
The final set debate
Halep’s marathon third round win has reignited the debate over whether there should be a tiebreak implemented in the final set. In grand slam tennis, the US Open is the only event that uses a deciding tiebreaker.
Saturday’s clash was the first time Halep has played a major match beyond 6-6 in the final set. Weighing in on the debate, the world No.1 insisted that it ‘doesn’t matter’ if the rule was implemented or not.
“Maybe it’s easier for the players, because the match is finished faster. Doesn’t matter which way.” She explained.
“But it’s also exciting to keep playing so many games in a row, so it was a nice experience for me, and that I could win it’s even better.”
Questions remain about how fresh the top seed will be feeling after her epic encounter with Davis. She is set to play her fourth round match match on Sunday, but the worry doesn’t lie with Halep’s fitness. It is the ankle that remains the problem.
“I don’t know against who I will play, but for sure I have time to recover. I have one day off, so the problem is just ankle for the moment, nothing else.” Said Halep.
“We will see how it’s gonna be.”
Halep will take on either Ash Barty or Naomi Osaka in the fourth round.
