In the deciding set, Cornet’s ninth double fault led to a break by Pironkova for the 5-4 lead, where she was able to serve it out again. Cornet was playing in her fifth career Grand Slam Round of 16 match, having never advanced to the quarterfinal round.
WHAT IT MEANS: Pironkova will next face No. 3 seed Serena Wiliams, who needed three sets to beat Maria Sakkari of Greece, the No. 15 seed, on Ashe Stadium on Monday. Williams holds a 4-0 head-to-head advantage over Pironkova, including two wins on hard courts, both in straight sets. Pironkova has managed to win a set off Williams during their first two meetings, once on grass in 2011, and once on clay in 2007.
MATCH POINT: Cornet holds the rare distinction of beating Serena Wiliams on three consecutive occasions, all coming in 2014, including coming from a set down on Centre Court at Wimbledon. /US Open