Former champion Simona Halep stunned fourth seed Paula Badosa of Spain 6-1, 6-2 on Monday to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Playing on the main showcourt at a grasscourt Grand Slam for the first time since beating Serena Williams in 2019 final, the 16th-seeded Romanian put on another show for the crowd on Monday.
“It was the place that I wanted to be today. I think I played a great match,” Halep said. “It’s always tough to play against her; she’s a great player.” “Always nervous before, but I enjoyed being back on Centre Court, in front of this beautiful crowd, always supporting me. It’s a pleasure to be back here.”
Halep has been flying under the radar at the 2022 Championships but is now considered a serious title contender as the only former champion left in the draw and none of the top 15 women.
I am thrilled with the way I have played this tournament so far. Day by day, it is getting better,” said Halep, who missed last year’s game due to injury while Wimbledon was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
“I’m just looking forward to playing in the next one and giving my best again like today.”
Former world number one Halep, who won her first major at the 2018 French Open, conceded three points on her serve while breaking the Spaniard’s delivery three times to win the opening set in 22 minutes.
Badosa saved three breakpoints to keep his serve in the fourth game of the second set, but Halep showed excellent court coverage and consistency from behind the baseline to push his next chance closer to victory.
Halep again broke his opponent’s delivery and sealed the competition on his third match point when Badosa sprayed a wide forehand for his 21st unforced error. She will take on American Amanda Anisimova for a semi-final spot on Thursday.