Miami Open: Halep reaches semis, Federer cruises along

By Rajdeep Saha

Mar 28, 2019

05:17 pm

What's the story

Simona Halep is one win away from being crowned as the new women's world number one female tennis player.

Halep will meet Karolina Pliskova in the Miami Open semi-finals.

She overcame China's Wang Qiang in the quarters.

In the men's section, Roger Federer sealed his place in the Miami Open quarter-finals.

Here's the summary of the key results.

Federer

Swiss maestro Federer beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to advance.

Federer will face Kevin Anderson next, who famously beat him at Wimbledon in 2018 over five dramatic sets.

Federer knows the threat Anderson will possess.

"I think if you beat me at Wimbledon, you've got my attention. He's got a great serve and I'm happy he's playing again after his injury."

Isner

Defending champion John Isner has powered his way into the semi-finals.

He saw off Roberto Bautista Agut in a thrilling 7-6, 7-6 battle.

Isner will face Canadian teen sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime became the first teenager to book a place in the last four in Miami.

He beat world number 13 Borna Coric 7-6, 6-2.

"It feels surreal to get this far," he said.

Halep

Meanwhile, Romanian Halep moved closer to reclaiming her world number one crown after dishing out a commendable 6-4, 7-5 triumph over China's Qiang.

A final berth for Halep will see her overcome Naomi Osaka for the numero uno ranking.

A stern Pliskova battle awaits Halep next.

Pliskova beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-4 to advance.

"A match against Simona is always intense," said Pliskova.

Women's singles

Anett Kontaveit overcame giant seed killer Hsieh Su-wei in the last eight of the Miami Open.

The Estonian came back after being down 0-4 in the final set to eventually beat Hsieh 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

"It probably wasn't the best match that I have ever played but I'm so happy to be through that," said Kontaveit after her win.