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2018 US Open, September 7 Women's singles, semi-finals Arthur Ashe Stadium, Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York Serena Williams vs Anastasija Sevastova |
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Serena Williams is one step closer to a sixth US Open title as she squares off with Anastasija Sevastova in the semifinals. Join The Roar from 9am (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
Serena Williams has had a resurgence, making an impact upon her return to the WTA Tour with a fourth-round appearance at the French Open before finishing runner-up at Wimbledon. The former world No.1 will be hoping to go one better having put on a euphoric display at her home grand slam so far.
The 36-year-old has dropped only one set throughout the tournament, disposing of her opponents with relative ease. To reach the final four, Williams has defeated Magda Linette and Carina Witthoeft before disposing of her sister, Venus, in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.
Williams experienced a minor scare in the second round, dropping the second set to Italian Kaia Kanepi 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 however, she came out strong in the quarterfinal displaying a great service game and returning to her favoured forehand.
Anastasija Sevastova caused a major upset by defeating 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, setting up her first career semifinal appearance.
It is a timely boost for Sevastova who retired from tennis five years ago due to ongoing injury however, her 2018 US Open campaign is proof of her persistence in returning to the top of the women’s tour.
The Latvian opened her US Open with a win in three sets over 6-2,, 2-6, 6-3 before knocking off Claire Liu in straight sets.
Since then, it has been a tough slog for the 28-year-old, forced to overcome Russian Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 and Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-0.
Sevastova has closed out her matches strongly and refused to let the pressure get to her however, the task of playing Serena Williams will be a tough barrier to overcome, with the American no stranger to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams and Sevastova have never played each other on the WTA Tour. Williams finds herself in familiar territory however, playing in her twelfth semifinal match at Flushing Meadows.
Prediction
Serena Williams will move through to her first US Open final since 2014 with an emphatic win over the Latvian.
Williams in straight sets.
Join The Roar from 9am (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Phil
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Equal pay for equal work? When has a men’s finished in 65 mins in the Open era?
Riley Pettigrew
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That concludes The Roar's coverage of Serena Williams vs Anastasija Sevastova. Now we turn our attention to the second semifinal between Madison Keys versus Naomi Osaka. Be sure to join me for live coverage. Thanks for following along.
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STATS Aces: Williams 4 - Sevastova 1 Double Faults: Williams 1 - Sevastova 2 1st Serve Win: Williams 21/28 (75%) - Sevastova 21/33 (64%) 2nd Serve Win: Williams 8/16 (50%) - Sevastova 4/22 (18%) Net Points: Williams 24/28 (86%) - Sevastova 3/6 (50%) Winners: Williams 30 - Sevastova 10 Unforced Errors: Williams 20 - Sevastova 12 Total Points Won: Williams 59 - Sevastova 40 Serena Williams 6 6 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0
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Serena Williams has put on a masterclass, capitalising on Sevastova's second serve and looking strong at the net. She books her place in the US Open as she looks to equal Margaret Court with a 24th grand slam title. Serena Williams 6 6 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0
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END MATCH: WILLIAMS WINS Williams hits the service winner, holds serve and wins in straight sets with a second set bagel Serena Williams 6 6 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0
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Sevastova forces it into the net off the forehand, match point Serena Williams 6 5 (40) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (0)
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Williams with a forehand volley winner Serena Williams 6 5 (30) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (0)
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Williams on serve, she starts off with an ace Serena Williams 6 5 (15) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (0)
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WILLIAMS BREAKS Williams hits a forehand winner, up three breaks at the change of ends. She will serve for the match. Serena Williams 6 5 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0
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Williams sets up break point with a backhand winner Serena Williams 6 4 (40) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (15)
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Williams comes to the net and hits the forehand volley winner Serena Williams 6 4 (30) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (15)
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Sevastova exposes Williams and goes down the line for the backhand winner Serena Williams 6 4 (15) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (15)
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Sevastova on serve, she drops the forehand short of the net Serena Williams 6 4 (15) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (0)
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Williams down the T from first serve, Sevastova scrambling, puts the forehand down the line. Williams holds Serena Williams 6 4 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0
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Sevastova puts it wide off the backhand returning second serve Serena Williams 6 3 (40) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (30)
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Sevastova forces it into the net off the forehand Serena Williams 6 3 (30) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (30)
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Williams comes to the net, forehand smash, Sevastova returns, cut across court and concedes the forehand volley winner Serena Williams 6 3 (15) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (30)
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Williams double faults for the first time in the match Serena Williams 6 3 (0) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (30)
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Williams on serve, she puts the backhand volley too deep Serena Williams 6 3 (0) Anastasija Sevastova 3 0 (15)
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WILLIAMS BREAKS Sevastova puts it into the net off the backhand, Williams up two breaks at the change of ends Serena Williams 6 3 Anastasija Sevastova 3 0