Serena steals world No.1's limelight with awkward blunder

Serena Williams kicked off her blockbuster clash against Simona Halep with a comical gaffe entering Rod Laver Arena.

Labelled the best player in the world by tonight’s opponent despite Halep herself holding the world No.1 ranking, the all-time great Williams almost took that compliment literally on Monday night.

“Please welcome to the court, world No.1…” aired the MC.

And out of the tunnel appeared Williams, the world No.16.

Despite wearing large headphones the American heard the introduction, realising her mistake with an awkward shuffle back into the darkness.

Halep still received a hearty welcome from the crowd, amid some laughter, while wearing a big smile.

“In my opinion, to be No.1 in the world and to be the best player in the world, it’s a little bit different,” the Romanian said after setting up her clash with Williams.

“In this moment, I’m No.1 in the world so I will take that. I feel like I have been there many months, many weeks.

“But for sure (Serena is) the best player in the world because she won so many grand slams. She’s been a lot at No.1 and I cannot compare my results to her.”

Halep broke Williams in the first game but promptly lost the next six to lose a disastrous 20-minute first set to kick off the fourth-round match-up.

Williams went on to win the thrilling contest 6-1 4-6 6-4, making tennis history in the process.

Aus Open set for radical move to combat drama

The Australian Open is reportedly set to break 115 years of tennis history and implement another controversial rule change for 2020.

The 2019 edition of the grand slam is using 10-point super tiebreakers in deciding sets, and the 25-second shot clock for the first time.

But a new report has claimed the 2020 tournament will bring in an even more controversial change.

Sports Illustrated writer Jon Wertheim has told the Tennis Channel that the Australian Open is likely to allow mid-match coaching from next year.

“I was talking to an executive at Tennis Australia and he said don’t be surprised if by this time next year both the Australian Open and US Open have this,” he said on Sunday.

“Remember, the majors have a certain amount of latitude when it comes to setting policy.

“We saw this year they changed the decisive tie-break in the matches and next year we know US Open has wanted on-court coaching.

“Australian Open now says they are going to confer with the players. I was told by 2020 don’t be surprised if two of the four majors have mid-match on-court coaching.”

On-court coaching is allowed in the WTA, but not at ATP or grand slam level.

Tennis writer Simon Chambers offered a slightly different view, but also reported that mid-match coaching is likely to be brought in.