Serena, Osaka survive scares to reach quarter-finals

Serena Williams celebrates her win over Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne yesterday. PIC/AP;PTI

Naomi Osaka saved two match points and Serena Williams recovered from losing her first set of the tournament as they fought their way into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Sunday.

Naomi Osaka

Osaka wins thriller
Japan's Osaka edged a thriller with fellow major-winner Garbine Muguruza and Williams came through a physical test against Aryna Sabalenka to maintain her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title. Osaka was on the verge of elimination at 3-5, 15-40 on her serve in the third set. But the three-time major champion rattled off four points in a row and then twice broke Muguruza's serve to prevail 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Williams was also meeting Sabalenka for the first time and she had to weather an onslaught from the Belarusian to reach the last eight 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. "I knew it wasn't going to be easy, she was teeing off on every shot," said the American, who was on upset alert before rallying to take a tight third set.

Halep gains revenge
Meanwhile, Simona Halep exacted revenge on French Open champion Iga Swiatek with a comeback three-set victory, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final with Williams. The World No. 2 was thrashed by the 19-year-old at Roland Garros, winning just three games, but turned the tide 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 50 minutes.