World No.1 Simona Halep has survived a massive scare at the Australian Open after outlasting Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, in the second round.
Seeking her second grand slam title in Melbourne, it was expected that Halep could experience a stern test against the American. Kenin defeated two top 10 players in 2018 and won her first WTA title last week at the Hobart International. That prediction came true as a frustrated Halep battled back from the brink whilst picking up a minor leg injury during the second set of the match. Although the issue wasn’t severe enough for her to request a medical time out.
“I have no idea how I won this match tonight.” Halep said during her on court interview. “It is so tough to explain what happened on court. It was very tough work, she is an amazing player. It was really difficult to stay there for every ball. To run so much.”
Halep: 9 aces, 84% returns in, 5 of 14 BP won, 2 of 4 BP saved, 33 winners, 35 unforced, 74 points.
Kenin: 1 ace, 71% 1st serves in, 70% returns in, 2 of 4 BP won, 9 of 14 BP saved, 32 winners, 48 unforced, 72 points. #AusOpen
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 17, 2019
In what was a perfect start for the top seed, Halep capitalized on a nervous service game from her 20-year-old opponent to break right away. Rallying through the 34-minute opening set, Halep was rarely troubled by Kenin as she dropped just six points behind her own serve. Boasting a 5-3 stronghold, Halep broke once more when a Kenin backhand slammed into the net that rewarded her the set.
It appeared as if the reigning French Open champion would cruise into the third round as she extended her lead to 6-3, 3-1, until she encountered a blip. A resilient Kenin refused to go down without a fight. Unexpectedly taking three straight games against a faltering Halep in what was the start of a fierce comeback.
Facing continuous pressure from Kenin, Halep continued to battle on the Rod Laver Arena. Matching her game-by-game. Unfortunately for the top seed, Kenin refused to buckle. Hitting shots that drew praise from the Melbourne crowd. Exchanging breaks midway through the tiebreaker, Kenin eventually got the breakthrough she wanted. A stunning backhand winner down the line awarded her the chance to take the match into a decider. She was able to seize upon the opportunity after a 13-shot rally finished with a Halep error.
Continuing to engage in some gut-busting rallies, it appeared as if it would be the underdog who would grab the shock win. Kenin’s sublime defensive play frustrated Halep as she broke for a 4-2. If that wasn’t bad enough for the Romanian, she began to keep touching the back of her left leg with an expression of pain on her face. Sending alarm bells ringing in her camp.
“I got a little bit injured in the second set. I just fought because I wanted to win and come back to play.” She explained afterwards.
Despite the scare, Halep managed to prevail. A nerve-stricken service game from Kenin allowed her to break back as she claimed four games in a row to secure the marathon win. Doing so with the help of a speedy serve down the centre of the court on match point.
In the next round Halep will take on Venus Williams. A player who she has defeated the past two times they have met on the tour.
