Serena Williams beats Simona Halep to set up Australian Open semi-final against Naomi Osaka

Seven-time champion Serena Williams was at her aggressive best in her Australian Open quarter-final victory over Simona Halep to set up a blockbuster semi-final against Naomi Osaka.

The 10th-seeded Williams posted a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of the world number two in Tuesday evening’s quarter-final on Rod Laver Arena.

The win sees Williams return to the last four at Melbourne Park for the first time since her most recent major singles triumph in the 2017 Australian Open.

Thursday’s semi-final against Osaka promises to be an enticing encounter, with the Japanese third seed and 2019 winner advancing courtesy of a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory over Hsieh Su-Wei.

More to come.