Serena Williams came through a huge test of her Australian Open title credentials after beating Simona Halep to set up a mouthwatering clash with Naomi Osaka.
Williams gained revenge for her Wimbledon final defeat to the Romanian two seasons ago as she conjured a 6-3 6-3 win on Rod Laver Arena.
Halep dropped just four games in that stunning grass-court success in 2019, the third of four grand slam finals that Williams has lost since landing her 23rd major in Australia four years ago.
The 24th title has remained frustratingly elusive, with Williams one away from matching Margaret Court's record haul.
She must get past Osaka, her heir apparent as the figurehead for the women's game, but Williams showed her prowess in this match, devastatingly proving a point.
The outcome meant Williams improved her career head-to-head against Halep to 10-2.
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Williams - 24/33 Halep - 9/19
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS Williams - 4/1 Halep - 0/2
BREAK POINTS WON Williams - 6/13 Halep - 3/4
"I definitely think this was the best match I've played this tournament for sure," Williams said.
"I had to, going up against the number two in the world. I knew I had to do better and that's what I did, so I'm excited." Looking forward to facing Osaka.
"She's such a strong player on the court and such an inspirational person off the court, which I think is really cool. I've been watching her and I'm sure she's been watching me," Williams said in her on-court interview.
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