Serena Williams subdued a stubborn fightback from world number one Simona Halep to take her quest for a record-equalling 24th major into the Australian Open quarter-finals Monday.
The 37-year-old American beat the Romanian top seed 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in an epic three-setter to line up a last eight clash with Czech eighth seed Karolina Pliskova.
It was Williams' first match against a world number one since returning after having a baby in September 2017 and the American showed why many already regard her as the greatest of all time.
She unleashed an early onslaught and Halep was in danger crumbling before the French Open champion regrouped for a stirring comeback.
"It was an intense match and there were some incredible points," Williams said.
"She's the number one player in the world and there's a reason why... (but) I'm such a fighter, I just never give up."
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