‘It’s just magic’ – Cornet conquers Halep to reach Australian Open quarterfinals

Alize Cornet reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time with a thrilling win over Simona Halep in a gruelling contest on Rod Laver Arena.

Cornet, making her 63rd main draw appearance at a Grand Slam, survived stifling heat to seal a stunning 6-4 3-6 6-4 win over 2018 Australian Open runner-up Halep.

Cornet, who had both thighs heavily taped, buried her face in a towel and broke into tears after converting her third match point.

“It was a battle with Simona today in this heat. After 30 minutes of the game, we were both dying on the court. We kept going for two and a half hours with all our heart,” Cornet said on court.

“Congrats to Simona because I know she struggled a lot and I admire this player so much. She’s such a fighter and an example to me. To beat her today to go to my first quarter-final is a dream come true.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s just magic. It’s never too late to try again.”

The Frenchwoman will take on Danielle Collins for a spot in the semi-finals on Wednesday after the American beat Elise Mertens 4-6 6-4 6-4.