Alizé Cornet has reached the quarterfinals of a major for the first time in her career following a three-set victory over Simona Halep in the Australian Open.
A veteran player hailing from France, Cornet had to work hard to secure the win against the former world No. 1.
However, it was an emotional post-match interview with former player Jelena Dokic that also caught the attention of fans.
Persistence pays off 💙🤍❤️@alizecornet · #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/4GLX6JwvXF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2022
A combination of high temperatures and long rallies made for an exhausting contest between Cornet and Halep, with the world No. 61 prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in 2 hours and 33 minutes.
The result means Cornet will play her first Grand Slam quarter-final in 63 attempts.
Following the match, she spoke with Channel 9 presenter Jelena Dokic.
Prior to Dokic's retirement in 2014, the pair had shared many on-court battles and had a good relationship.
Their friendship immediately came to the surface, with both of them showing emotions before Dokic even asked her first question.
For Cornet, this result was a culmination of years of dedication.
"It feels amazing," Cornet said.
"The battle that we had with Simona [Halep] today with this heat and after 30 minutes of game ... we were both dying on the court and we kept going for two and a half hours, with all our hearts.
"Congrats to Simona ... I know she struggled a lot.
"I admire this player so much - she’s such a fighter and she’s an example for me and to beat her today, to go to my first quarterfinal, it’s just a dream come true.
"I don’t know what to say, it’s just magic.
“It’s never too late to try again.
“That’s why I keep playing tennis, for this moment to share these emotions with you.”
No dry eyes in the house 😭😭😭
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2022
This on-court interview between @alizecornet and Jelena Dokic is everything. #AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/F3nN0XSHNX
At the end of the interview, Cornet asked to speak again.
What followed was an emotional tribute to Dokic, which left the former player in tears.
“So I just want to thank my box, first,” Cornet said.
“But also I want to tell you [Dokic] something.
"How you moved on in your life, I think we can all congratulate you.
“Because you were an amazing player and now you are an amazing commentator.”
A round of applause rang around the stadium before the pair shared a hug.
“You just made me cry, I can’t believe I’m crying - thank you,” Dokic said.
Cornet's next match will be against American and No. 27 seed Danielle Collins.
