MIAMI, FL, USA - No.2 seed Simona Halep wasted no time in booking her quarterfinal spot at the Miami Open, needing two sets to see off Venus Williams in just over an hour.
After spending a marathon two hours and 49 minutes against Polona Hercog, surviving in three sets to win 5-7, 7-6(1), 6-2, Halep was keen to keep things brief against Venus, a former three-time champion here.
Read more: Halep halts Hercog in Miami Open third round marathon
The 2015 semifinalist - who is also contesting the doubles competition with partner Julia Goerges - targeted the Venus second serve and stayed aggressive to take the match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Afterwards, Halep noted the strategic changes Venus has been making to her game this month. "In previous matches she hit the ball very strong, and also the serve today was a little bit different," she said. "At one point she was playing very high, and it was not easy. But I just had to adjust myself to the game, and I think I did it pretty well."
Nonetheless, the Romanian was impressed, and full of praise. "It's actually something that I have to admire, because her game is just to hit, and she's very strong on that way - and today she started to change some things," she explained. "It's inspiring because she's still focused and she really sees the game and she knows how to play against every player."
Up next, Halep will face No.18 seed Wang Qiang in the quarterfinals.
