Defending champion Serena Williams remains on course for her seventh Australian Open title after brushing aside Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4,6-0, in Melbourne.
The world No.1 produced a masterclass in the first set after racing in 6-0 in just 22 minutes. Breaking the serve of the world No.4 three times during the first set, Williams impressively produced 18 winners compared to her opponents one. Destroying the fragile Radwanska serve, Williams remained supreme in her service games, winning 80% of her service points.
To the relief of Radwanska as well as the crowd in Melbourne, the second set was much more competitive as the Pole held her serve for the first time in the match. Initially, Williams was on course for another crushing performance in the second set when she broke Radwanska for the fourth time to lead 2-1, however, a decline in Williams form aided a Radwanska comeback. The world No.4 broke back to level 3-3 after a below par-game from the world No.1. A loose shot to the net handed Radwanska two break-back points. The Pole capitalized on her second after another error from Williams. Despite the mini hope given to Radwanska, Williams responded once more by breaking to lead 5-4. Serving for the match, Williams produced three consecutive aces to give herself a trio of match points. The world No.1 only required one after hitting a winning forehand smash.
In one of her most dominant performances in the tournament, Williams produced 42 winners, eight aces and 17 unforced errors. Speaking about her mainly one-sided triumph over Radwanska, Williams said that she wanted to prove a point.
“I was really trying to get off to a fast start,” Williams said.
“Every single time, you know, I would just start out down. I just really wanted to focus on when I first walk out there to be ready to go from the first point, then that way I don’t necessarily have to play from behind, which I can do clearly, and I proved that last year, but I wanted to prove that I can play also ahead this year.”
After recent trouble on the tour, a final appearance is a relief for the 34-year-old. Since her shock loss to Roberta Vinci at the US Open, Williams has been troubled by a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the Hopman Cup at the start of the year. Due to her recent troubles, the world No.1 admitted that she didn’t think about reaching the final.
“I thought it was going to be a really rough part. I mean, I never thought I was going to go out and lose in the first round, but at the same time I never thought before, I’m going to make it to the final, or anything. I was just playing literally a point at a time”. She said.
Awaiting her in the final will be Germany’s Angelique Kerber. Kerber reached her maiden Grand Slam final after beating Johanna Konta in straight sets. Williams has beaten the German five times on the tour and has lost to Kerber only once (Cincinnati 2012). Despite the dominant head-to-head record, the world No.1 is still aware of how much of a danger the German could be.
“She took out a really tough opponent in Victoria (Azarenka). You can’t underestimate Kerber. She’s beaten me before, too, and pretty good. I know that she brings a lot to the game.” Williams said.
Williams is now only one win against from equalling Steffi Graf’s Grand Slam record of 22 titles.
