The Pick: Serena Williams vs. Simona Halep, Aussie Open quarterfinals

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change

Serena Williams will continue her quest for the elusive Grand Slam title No. 24 against the WTA’s most consistent performer of the past decade, Simona Halep. The Romanian, entering her seventh consecutive year inside the world’s Top 5, will attempt to reach her third Australian Open semifinal in the last four years.

Historically, Serena has dominated their head-to-head record. She owns nine wins to just two losses, but in their last match at the 2019 Wimbledon final, Halep delivered one of the most impressive performances of her career, dismantling Serena 6-2, 6-2 while committing just three unforced errors.

The 39-year-old will surely have vengeance on her mind, and should have a slight edge on the quick courts at Melbourne Park. Since the tour’s resumption last August, Serena has played 18 hard-court matches, while Halep—who chose to skip the abbreviated U.S. hardcourt season due to coronavirus concerns— has played just six.

"Legend. She's the best," said Halep when asked about her upcoming match against Serena. "You can only beat Serena if you play your best."

Serena’s movement has been spectacular. When her defense is clicking, combined with her unprecedented power and best-ever serve, she becomes a nightmare.

In addition to her incredible defense, she has been striking the ball extremely flat and clean, and finishing points at the net in spectacular fashion.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, this match is a borderline pick-em, with Serena listed as a slight -136 favorite. It’s never easy to pick a winner in a marquee matchup between two great champions, but Serena has a special aura about her this tournament, and should avenge her Wimbledon final loss in dominant fashion.

The Pick: Serena Williams

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