Three-time champion Venus Williams OUSTED by Simona Halep
By Harry Floyd
Simona Halep is eyeing a title at the 2019 Miami Open and her win over Venus Williams gets her one step closer to just that.
Former world number one Simona Halep OUSTS one of the Miami Open‘s most well known champions in Venus Williams. The American great won titles in 1998, 1999, and 2001. That said, Williams is 38-years-old and no longer atop the women’s singles rankings. She is, however, plenty capable of shocking the field at any tournament she plays.
As Halep defeats the three-time champ in their round of 16 meeting, we must pause to appreciate the gravity of the win. The Romanian is fighting to get back ahead of both Petra Kvitova and Naomi Osaka in order to retouch that world number one ranking.
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Halep defeats Williams with ease, winning in straight sets. She takes the round of 16 matchup against the American tennis legend 6-3, 6-3. The tournament still leaves Williams with plenty of positives as she walks away.
Williams defeated the likes of Dalila Jakupović, Carla Suárez Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina prior to her loss against Halep. All three of those wins also came in straight sets. That is more than impressive.
She remains one of the best that the Miami Open has ever seen. Sister Serena Williams won her opening round match before withdrawing from the action.
Can Halep take the title in women’s singles at the 2019 Miami Open? We have to wait and see but her odds are ever improving. Two players in particular to look out for are Kvitova and Ashleigh Barty. These two square off in a quarterfinals matchup on Tuesday in Miami. Halep awaits her next opponent but will likely be a strong favorite in the matchup.
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Hats off to Venus Williams for another solid performance. As she moves on, we keep an eye on Halep, Kvitova, and others at the 2019 Miami Open. Check back to see how the remaining players fare throughout the rest of the event and stay tuned to see who comes away with the title.