NEW YORK—Serena Williams is the world's best player and tennis' top teacher, according to Simona Halep.
The fifth-seeded Romanian calls Williams "the only one player I learn from."
When Halep faces the world No. 1 in the US Open quarterfinals, she will aim to apply the lessons she's learned from Serena against the six-time US Open champion.
US Open: Halep Recovers Just In Time
Halep, who defeated Carla Suarez Navarro to reach the US Open quarterfinals for the second straight year, said there are three primary lessons she's learned from Williams.
"She's ambitious," Halep said of Williams. "She gives everything to win all the matches. Her focus. She is focused and she doesn't give up. Three things. And I'm not telling anymore."
The 2014 Roland Garros runner-up said she's trying to emulate the top seed's example.
"I'm trying just to do the same things," Halep said. "I'm trying to learn from the best players. I'm trying just to get better and better with these things."
Williams, who has not surrendered a set in the tournament, has won seven of eight meetings with Halep.
After scoring a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory in the 2015 Miami Open semifinals, Williams revealed she is a fan of Halep’s style.
“I think her game was great,” Serena said of Simona. “She plays so good and it’s so good to see her play so well. She’s so young. I actually love watching her play. I’m actually a fan of hers. I like to watch her.”
In Cincinnati last month, Halep said the 22-time Grand Slam champion remains the top teacher in the sport and the only other active player she learns from.
"The only one player I learn (from) I can say is Serena always," Halep said. "(I learn) motivation, fighting, and aggression."
Photo credit: @Miami Open