Miami Open: Halep reaches semis, Federer cruises along
What's the story
Simona Halep is one win away from being crowned as the new women's world number one female tennis player. Halep will meet Karolina Pliskova in the Miami Open semi-finals. She overcame China's Wang Qiang in the quarters. In the men's section, Roger Federer sealed his place in the Miami Open quarter-finals. Here's the summary of the key results.
Federer
Federer sets up crucial Kevin Anderson battle
Swiss maestro Federer beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to advance. Federer will face Kevin Anderson next, who famously beat him at Wimbledon in 2018 over five dramatic sets. Federer knows the threat Anderson will possess. "I think if you beat me at Wimbledon, you've got my attention. He's got a great serve and I'm happy he's playing again after his injury."
Isner
Isner reaches semi-finals after battling past Bautista Agut
Defending champion John Isner has powered his way into the semi-finals. He saw off Roberto Bautista Agut in a thrilling 7-6, 7-6 battle. Isner will face Canadian teen sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime. Auger-Aliassime became the first teenager to book a place in the last four in Miami. He beat world number 13 Borna Coric 7-6, 6-2. "It feels surreal to get this far," he said.
Halep
Halep reaches semis after beating China's Qiang
Meanwhile, Romanian Halep moved closer to reclaiming her world number one crown after dishing out a commendable 6-4, 7-5 triumph over China's Qiang. A final berth for Halep will see her overcome Naomi Osaka for the numero uno ranking. A stern Pliskova battle awaits Halep next. Pliskova beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-4 to advance. "A match against Simona is always intense," said Pliskova.
Women's singles
Kontaveit beats Hsieh Su-wei to reach semis
Anett Kontaveit overcame giant seed killer Hsieh Su-wei in the last eight of the Miami Open. The Estonian came back after being down 0-4 in the final set to eventually beat Hsieh 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. "It probably wasn't the best match that I have ever played but I'm so happy to be through that," said Kontaveit after her win.