SuggestedLeadIn: Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka react to their US Open quarterfinal match in which Halep defeated Azarenka 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Halep will meet Flavia Pennetta in the semifinals on Friday.

Script: SOUNDBITE (English): Simona Halep, defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 4-6, 6-4:

(on playing in her first US Open semi-final match, in which she will face Flavia Pennetta)

"Yeah, I'm looking forward for the next match to enjoy the semifinals. It's first time when I play this. I knew when I started the tournament that I have a good game. I feel great and I have good mentality coming in this Grand Slam. I had no expectations, no pressure. So that's why I'm playing so good. It's a great feeling now that I can be in the semi-finals, and of course tomorrow I want to fight to win it. But we will see. I expect a tough match."

SOUNDBITE (English): Simona Halep, defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 4-6, 6-4:

(on the possibility of facing Serena Williams in the final)

"If I will play the final here against Serena, again, would be like a record to play two times against her in one month. I have nothing to lose. Even tomorrow it's like big challenge and will be a big bonus for me to get into the finals here. I didn't expect this when I came here, but I knew that I have a chance. So I was working hard every day, and I was believing in myself that I can do it. We will see tomorrow. It will be a tough match. I just want to be focused for that, and then we will see what is happening."

SOUNDBITE (English): Victoria Azarenka, lost to Simona Halep 6-3, 4-6, 6-4:

"Definitely. I have no doubt in my abilities. This tournament is just another step forward. I believe I played pretty well throughout the whole tournament. There are, I think, quite a bit of improvements in my game compared to Wimbledon or other tournaments, so, you know, I'm on the right track. You know, today I didn't have much luck on my side today, I think. But luck has nothing to do with it. You've got to create your own. I will keep working hard."