Halep expects marathon test against Kerber

Simona Halep is ready for another marathon after defeating Karolina Pliskova to set up an Australian Open semi-final against Angelique Kerber.

World No 1 Halep has had a rollercoaster ride in Melbourne, suffering an ankle injury in the first round and then surviving three match points before beating Lauren Davis 15-13 in the deciding set in round three.

Halep and Kerber, the 2016 champion, are two of the best athletes on court and long rallies are guaranteed when they face each other today.

“For sure it’s going to be a second marathon this tournament,” said Halep after her 6-3, 6-2 victory over sixth seed Pliskova. “But I’m used to that. I know she’s a very strong opponent. But I started to like this tournament. After two years in a row losing in the first round, now it’s a better result. Now I’m just trying to give everything I have and to play the best to win it.”

In the first quarter-final Kerber blasted to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Madison Keys in just 51 minutes.

The German, who endured a miserable 2017 after her brilliant 2016, said: “I have a lot of confidence and belief in my game, because I start the year good. That gives me a lot of confidence coming here.”