Serena Williams sees off Simona Halep to reach Australian Open quarter-final

US Tennis star Serena Williams [Courtesy]

Serena Williams edged out world No.1 Simona Halep to reach the last eight at the Australian Open.

Williams was the favourite going into the encounter at Rod Laver Arena having beaten Halep in eight of their previous nine encounters.

Williams took the opening set but Halep bounced back in the second to force a decider.

Williams saved three break points, broke Halep in the following game and served out a 6-1 4-6 6-4 victory to set up a last-eight meeting with Karolina Pliskova and remain on course for a 24th grand slam crown.

Speaking after the match, Williams said: "It was a really intense match, some incredible points.

"I love playing tennis, I love this court and it's really cool to be back out here playing.

Serena Williams edged out world No.1 Simona Halep to reach the last eight at the Australian Open [Courtesy]

"I really needed to elevate my game and there's a reason why. She's a great player.

"I had to just play a little bit like I knew I could and I did, and I think hopefully that was the difference.

"I'm such a fighter, I never give up. There's definitely something that's innate."