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2019 US Open, women's singles, semi-final Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) vs Serena Williams (USA) |
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Elina Svitolina will face one of the biggest challenges of her career when she takes on a red-hot Serena Williams in the semi-finals of the US Open. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 9am (AEST).
Svitolina has been on a hot run of form to reach the final four of the US Open, not dropping a set across her five matches and playing a dominant, aggressive style of tennis where she is regularly happy to attack inside the court.
However, the power and aggression of Williams is going to force the world No.5 to alter her style slightly, unless she can dominate off her serve and take the opportunities that come to her.
The Ukrainian did deal with excessive power in her fourth-round match well though, going past another American in Madison Keys without really raising a sweat.
To then follow up a high level of tennis in that match by blasting past Johanna Konta in straight sets during the quarter-finals illustrates where her form line is currently at, and the level of tennis she has played throughout this fortnight at Flushing Meadows.
Even at her best though, she may need to up the level some more to go with Williams, who only spent 44 minutes on court during an absolute beatdown of Qiang Wang during the quarter-finals.
The 6-1, 6-0 scoreline was a walk in the park for one of the greatest players of all time, who has only dropped a single set during the tournament.
While the level of players she has faced may be hiding the level she has played at just a little bit when compared to that of Svitolina’s run, Williams is taking care of business. Her serve has been phenomenal, her groundstrokes absolutely punishing, and more importantly, she has been cool and composed when pressure has struck.
If she can keep that level up, continue hitting her spots and play the level she is capable of, Williams may not be challenged in either of her two remaining matches, so well is she playing.
Given the other semi-final will feature Belinda Bencic and Bianca Andreescu, this match has a feeling of the final before the final attached to it.
Prediction
Svitolina will give a good account of herself here. She might even be able to get a set, which could disrupt the momentum of Serena, but it’s hard to see the former world No.1 and possibly best player of all time, going to the final again.
Williams in three sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2019 US Open women’s semi-finals from 9am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Start time: 9am (AEST)
Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Billie Jean King Tennis Center, New York
TV: Live, ESPN, SBS
Online: Live, Kayo Sports, Foxtel App, Foxtel Now, Fetch TV, Watch ESPN, SBS on Demand
Betting: Williams $1.33, Svitolina $3.25
Overall record: Played 5, Williams 4, Svitolina 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, just too good in the end from the greatest player we have ever seen in women's tennis as she chases grand slam 24. Thanks for joining me for our coverage of the first semi-final at the US Open, and hopefully you enjoyed the call. From two top players, to two up and coming players. I'm now off to call the second semi-final between Bianca Andreescu and Belinda Bencic, so join me there. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH, SERENA WILLIAMS And there it is. Williams just with all the power in the world returning serve, and she finishes it with a winner - her 34th of the match - up the line on the backhand. Williams struggled early in the match, with the first two games taking the best part of 15 minutes, but she has then come away with a dominating performance, hitting Elina Svitolina all over the court and out of the tournament. Serena Williams is going to go into the final as a heavy, heavy favourite. Svitolina 3 1 Williams 6 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault, then the second is returned well, but Svitolina gets into the point. Great defensive backhand from Williams to get herself back into it, then Svitolina nets one. Match point. Svitolina 3 1 - Williams 6 5 - AD
Scott Pryde
Expert
Svitolina serves down the T and it's returned with depth, then it's a long rally - something we haven't seen much of tonight - before Williams drills a forehand up the line inside out. Svitolina 3 1 - deuce (2) Williams 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Svitolina, then Williams gets up inside the court, but can only put the forehand into the net trying to go up the line. Svitolina 3 1 - AD Williams 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Svitolina, then Williams puts a backhand into the net trying to just drive it through the middle of the court. Svitolina 3 1 - deuce (1) Williams 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Match point. Svitolina puts a backhand into the net. Svitolina 3 1 - 30 Williams 6 5 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve, short return. Williams somehow gets back into the point and then puts a passing backhand away. Svitolina 3 1 - 30 Williams 6 5 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE. Svitolina 3 1 - 30 Williams 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Svitolina got on top of that point, then came forward, following up a drop shot with a volley winner. Svitolina 3 1 - 15 Williams 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Williams is just too good hee. Big return, then a forehand to the corner. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 5 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Williams. The second is at the backhand and returned with good depth, then Williams nails a forehand up the line. Svitolina now serving to stay in the match. Svitolina 3 1 - Williams 6 5 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Williams. The second is returned on a good backhand, and Williams puts a forehand into the middle of the net. Svitolina 3 1 - 15 Williams 6 4 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Williams with a fault. The second is out wide and returned long by Svitolina. This is racing to the finish now. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 4 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Williams. The second is returned well, then Svitolina comes forward and volleys wide. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 4 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Williams on serve now with a set and a double break. Fault on the first, and now a long point befoe Svitolina puts a ball wide. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 4 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
DOUBLE BREAK WILLIAMS Well, Svitolina falling apart now. Horrific shot to give up the double break. Svitolina 3 1 - Williams 6 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Svitolina, before Williams comes up to the net and just half volleys away tight across the net. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 3 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, this is getting away from Svitolina now as Williams puts a ball down the line. Svitolina 3 1 - 0 Williams 6 3 - 30