Picture Credit: Twitter
Australia Open has kicked off in style and has produced some of the most worthy battles on the Tennis court. The first Grand Slam tournament of the year is almost done with its fourth round and ready to deliver more exciting and thrilling battles in the quarterfinal stage. Some awe-inspiring moment occurred on Tuesday when Alize Cornet broke into tears after surprising 14th seeded Simona Halep on Rod Laver Arena by winning the game 6-4, 3-6 and 6-4.
Cornet was in tears after making it to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in 63 attempts and delivered one of the most heartwarming post-match interviews of Australia Open 2022. The veteran player outplayed the 14th seeded Simona Halep and won the first set by 6-4. However, Cornet was shocked with a comeback by Halep and suffered a loss by 3-6. But, it seems as if all the stars were aligned in Cornet's favour in her 63rd attempt; she clinched the game by winning the third and final set of the match with 6-4. During the game, she played one of her best games, for which she was even applauded by her opponent post-match.
But, what caught everyone's attention was Cornet getting emotional post-match and dropping to her knees, bursting into happy tears. She was immediately hugged and humbly greeted by Jelena Dokic for delivering such an outstanding game and being the living example of one must never quit. Even Dokic was quick to acknowledge Cornet's emotional state of mind, and she said, "I'll do a little bit first because I know how much this means to you. That's why I went to hug you. I know how emotional it is. Here in 2009, you were in the fourth round here."
The post-match interview both have gone viral ever since and has been widely circulated on social media, and users are in awe of Cornet's performance in the game. Wishes are pouring in for her next match in quarters which is scheduled Danielle Collins.
Here is the video of the touching moment:
The commentator recalled the moment from 2009, when Dinara Safina defeated Cornet in the fourth round, and how they both wanted to play against each other but could not. Dokic said, "I know how hard that was for you. I can see how emotional you are. It means so much to you. This is your first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal. (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) ... I've got goosebumps. Tell me, how do you feel right now? What's going through your head?."
The interview left even some of the fans emotional.