scoreline: Williams 7-6, 6-2
It was a straight sets victory for Williams in the end but boy she was forced to play at a very high level today to defeat Keys. Williams was down a break early in the first set but she toiled hard and eventually won a well contested first set. Keys then produced several unforced errors to gift various breaks to Williams but she fought hard and saved eight match points before finally succumbing to Williams class and power. Keys though will become a household name on the WTA tour. Watch this space….
Serena Williams faces future superstar Madison Keys for the right to contest the Australian Open women’s final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm AEDT.
Two of the most powerful ball strikers on the WTA tour go head-to-head in what should be an absorbing semi-final.
Having already dispatched Serena’s sister Venus, Keys will be looking to achieve a very rare double by upsetting two of the all-time greats in women’s tennis.
In terms of raw power, Keys is probably one of the very few players on the WTA tour that can stand toe-to-toe against Serena and win. At just 19 years of age, Keys already possesses one of the biggest serves, forehand and backhand shots you will see in the women’s game.
With her best years certainly ahead of her, one expects Keys to solidify herself as the most powerful player on the WTA tour. She is a tremendous ball striker who will certainly give Serena plenty to think about.
Keys’ chances of perhaps upsetting Serena though largely rest on whether or not she is fully fit after a tight three-set tussle against Venus.
Keys struggled with an upper leg injury midway through the match against Venus and it appeared to cripple her chances of progressing past the quarter-final stage.
At 3-1 down in the final set however, Keys rallied and went on to win the match 6-4, after requesting an injury time-out to get treatment.
The young American though can ill-afford to be handicapped against Serena. If Keys continues to struggle, Serena will dictate proceedings and dominate play.
If Keys is ready to go however, she certainly has the firepower to defeat Serena and progress to an Australian Open final that she will certainly fancy her chances of winning.
Keys in three sets.
MJB
Guest
Pretty classy performance from the 19 year old, and Serena was pretty gracious in defeat. Hopefully they have a rematch next year.
Alan
Roar Guru
It was a straight sets victory for Williams in the end but boy she was forced to play at a very high level today to defeat Keys. Williams was down a break early in the first set but she toiled hard and eventually won a well contested first set. Keys then produced several unforced errors to gift various breaks to Williams but she fought hard and saved eight match points before finally succumbing to Williams class and power. Keys though will become a household name on the WTA tour. Watch this space.... Williams 7 6 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH WILLIAMS Williams 7 6 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Keys with an unforced error again on a big point! Serena with match point. Nine now Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce again...Forehand return too strong for Serena Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Match point Williams. Her eighth of the match.... Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
I have been really impressed with Serena's movement today. Great defence at times. Forehand power from Keys and its 30 all Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Ace for 30-15. Williams edges closer Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Yep MJB. Keys nets the backhand for 15 all. Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Great volley at the net from Keys. 0-15. Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
MJB
Guest
That was amazing. Did I count correctly... 7 match points saved in one game?
Alan
Roar Guru
Keys holds after saving seven match points!!! Williams though will now serve for the match. Great fight from Keys. She has the world at her feet... Williams 7 5 Keys 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Keys with another superb forehand winner down the line for game point. Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Another spectacular point from both players but Keys yet again takes charge with the forehand and overhead smash! Deuce Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Keys second serve a real weakness though. Match point Serena Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
And back to deuce we go. Marathon game this one! Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Ace out wide and its game point for Keys. Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce yet again. Williams cannot convert her match points Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Keys nets the overhead smash. Great hustle from Williams and its another match point Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce Williams 7 5 Keys 6 1