Tennis news - Simona Halep: I have ‘nothing to lose’ facing Serena Williams

ByPA Sport

Updated 19/01/2019 at 12:45 GMT

World number one Simona Halep insisted she will have nothing to lose when she takes on Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Simona Halep was fired up for her clash with Venus Williams

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After battling through two tough opening rounds against Kaia Kanepi and Sofia Kenin, Halep knew she would have to step things up against Venus Williams and she did so impressively in a 6-2 6-3 victory.

In what must surely be the toughest draw a top seed has ever faced, Halep now finds herself taking on Serena, who has lost only nine games in three matches and demolished 18-year-old Dayana Yastremska 6-2 6-1.

Halep may have the number one next to her name but she has won only one of her nine previous meetings with Serena and feels she goes in as the underdog.

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The Romanian said: “In my opinion, to be number one in the world and to be the best player in the world, it’s a little bit different. In this moment, I’m number one in the world, so I will take that.

“But, for sure, she’s the best player in the world because she won so many grand slams. She’s been a lot at number one. I cannot compare my results to her.

“Definitely it’s the toughest draw I’ve ever had. Every time I face the sisters is a big challenge for me. I just want to try to play my best tennis because I have nothing to lose against them.

Serena Williams

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“It’s going to be just a huge match for me. I will not put pressure on myself. There’s a good chance for me to play my best tennis and to feel good on court.”

Serena and Halep have not met since before the former’s break from the sport to give birth to her daughter, and she, too, is looking forward to testing herself.

“It will be great,” said Serena. “I haven’t played the world number one since I’ve been back. So it will be good.”

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