Alize Cornet stuns Simona Halep at the Australian Open

Romania’s Simona Halep, one of title favorites, is out of the 2022 Australian Open, losing 6-4 3-6 6-4 to France’s Alize Cornet in the fourth round.

The 2018 Australian Open finalist Halep, seeded 14th this fortnight, had won all eight of her previous matches this season and dropped just 12 games en route to the round of 16 at Melbourne Park.

The world No.61 Cornet is through to her first Grand Slam quarterfinals, making her 63rd main-draw appearance at a major. Previously, Tamarine Tanasugarn had held the record for most appearances before reaching a quarterfinal at this level, having achieved the feat on her 45th at 2008 Wimbledon.

In the first set, Halep twice recovered from a break down,…