Auckland: Serena Williams fends off McHale challenge to book QF spot

World no. 10 Serena Williams had a hard time against Christina McHale in their American derby, in the round-of-16 at the ASB Classic in Auckland on Thursday. Williams dropped the opener 3-6 but regained a deeper foothold into the match in the second and third sets to take the win 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours. 

McHale's counterpunching style helped her take the lead over the 23-time Grand Slam champion in the opening set. In the second and third sets, as Williams settled into her rhythm she broke McHale five times across the latter two sets while losing her serve only once. For the match, Williams finished with converting six out of 12 break points she had, while saving five of the nine break points she faced. 

In her on-court interview after the match, Williams said, "It was a good match for me because I really need to play matches like that to get to my goals. Tournament time is super important and match time is good. It's fun to be out here after losing that first set, and I'm glad I'm still in the event. I just thought I needed to figure out a way to win this match."

Williams will next play Germany's Laura Siegemund. Siegemund defeated American Coco Gauff in their pre-quarter-finals in yet another comeback match, 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and 14 minutes. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2QBgkc3