MELBOURNE—Simona Halep had to play 48 games and save three match points to earn a spot in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Taking on world No. 76 Lauren Davis, the top seed survived, 4-6, 6-4, 15-13. The 3-hour and 45-minute epic is tied for the most games in Australian Open women’s history.
The biggest key for Halep was staying positive—never showing any signs of frustration even as the third set crept past the two-hour mark. It was her first time playing such a long third set and first time fighting off three match points in a row.
"Many first times today," she said. "I'm really, really proud of that, and I just say that this match meant a lot for me. Doesn't matter what is gonna happen now. I say that it's a big win in many ways, and I take it."
Her opponent deserves props for keeping her composure as well. Davis plays a slightly more aggressive version of Halep’s style, taking a lot more risks and piling up 73 unforced errors to Halep’s 39. The American’s backhand is her biggest weapon, ripping gutsy winners during some of the highest-pressure moments.
“I have always looked up to Halep, because she's probably like two inches taller than me,” Davis said. “She uses her speed to take time away and rush her opponent. She's super agile and dynamic around the court. That's exactly how I play.”
In a match with this level of drama, both players stayed remarkably positive. Halep showed no signs of panic, while Davis spent most of her changeovers with her eyes closed.
For the majority of Set 2 and Set 3, the more experienced world No. 1 was in control, with her nose out front. But Davis would not go away. She’s tasted high-level success before, winning her first WTA title in Auckland last year before reaching a high of No. 26. But during that breakthrough year, Davis lost in the first round of all four Grand Slams, and she’s never gone beyond the third round.
“Throughout my career I have always struggled with being so critical and being hard on myself,” Davis said. “So I made, like, a commitment to myself before this tournament that I'm going to be my own best friend and just my greatest supporter, and accept all that God has to give me. I showed myself what I'm capable of.”
Neither player backed down deep into the third set, maintaining an insane level of play with winners from both sides of the court and again, that remarkable calmness. Balls kept landing in for Davis, with Halep doing nothing wrong other than struggling to take initiative in the rallies. Had Davis pulled off the upset, it would have been because she earned it, not because Halep gave it to her.
"She was moving really well and her backhand short-cross was amazing," Halep said. "She was very aggressive. She defends very well, and she also comes to the net. She's a great player. Today she played amazing."
Match Point