Serena Williams equals Roger Federer as she enters Australian Open semi-final

Serena Williams has equalled Roger Federer’s record for most grand slam match victories after powering past world No.2 Simona Halep to book her spot in a ninth Australian Open semi-final.

In their first meeting since Halep’s demolition of Williams in the 2019 Wimbledon final, the American great rediscovered her top-form to exact revenge on the Romanian and triumph 6-3 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.

The 39-year-old’s victory on Tuesday night sets up a blockbuster last-four meeting with pre-tournament favourite and 2019 Open champion Naomi Osaka.

Williams turned back the clock to crush Halep in just 81 minutes to put her just two wins away from equalling Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles.

She has lost four finals in pursuit of Court’s momentous mark since winning her last major in 2017, which she achieved while pregnant.

The seven-time Australian Open champion has now won 362 matches at majors to equal Federer’s record.

If Williams wins her 40th appearance in a grand slam semi-final, the mother-of-one could meet world No.1 Ashleigh Barty in Saturday night’s decider with the Australian fancied to progress through her softer side of the draw.

The determined veteran, who has previously won all eight semi-finals at Melbourne Park, feels she is only improving the longer the Open goes.

“I definitely think this is the best match I’ve played this tournament,” Williams said.

“I knew I couldn’t play worse (than she did against Halep last time) so that was a good thing.”

Naomi Osaka is next to go up against Serena Williams. Williams will on Thursday battle Osaka.