Just as we thought Romania’s Simona Halep would stay strong in the draw filled with fallen seeds, the world number one lost to 48th-ranked Hsieh Su-Wei from Chinese Taipei 3-6 6-4 7-5 in the third round of Wimbledon.
With the her maiden major title at the French Open still fresh in her mind, Halep was upset despite serving for the match at 5-3 in the third set and having a match point in the following game. The first set was filled with wasted opportunities and breaks (five in a row opening the match). Midway through the second set, when Halep was two games away from triumph, Hsieh started hitting unpredictable winners and capitalized on her opponent’s nerves to force the third set. Facing a 5-2 deficit in the decider, Hsieh clawed her way back with a single break, and after fending off a match point, the 32-year-old recorded another break and held her nerve to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time.
Halep’s defeat means that seventh seed Karolina Pliskova is the only Top 10 seed who has reached the second week in London this year — the fewest in a Grand Slam event in the Open Era.
What!? Halep served for the match!? That little woman put it on Halep! Looks like she’s the queen of cool: barely moving around on the court, no power, sneaky as a cat determined to catch a bird. I can’t believe she’s 32-years-old (looks much younger). She’s the dark horse for sure. Halep, keep fighting. And may I add this: Osaka is next in line with Maria “Shady” Sharapova as one of the most overrated female tennis players ever. Glad you delusional commentators finally stopped comparing her to Queen/GOAT/Wonder Woman Serena Williams. There is no one, I mean absolutely no one, who can even come close to that amazing woman! Ais unstoppable/incomparable for sure. Steadily making history and those dollars. Slay, Queen Serena, slay! Get that #24 grand slam title, that fat check, and that lovely trophy to add to your massive collection of grand slam accolades in singles AND doubles. Bam! There it is!