Naomi Osaka is a two-time Major champion who has inspired by advocating for social justice in the United States. Jennifer Brady is an American collegiate athlete who at 25 has fully developed her game and achieved her first Major semifinal. Victoria Azarenka is another two-time Slam winner who has come back from injuries, child birth, and a bitter custody battle to reach for first Slam semifinal in seven years. And speaking of moms, Serena Williams endured life-threatening child birth complications just three years ago, yet is vying for her fifth Major final since her return.
Naomi Osaka (4) vs. Jennifer Brady (28)
They have split their two past meetings, though that’s not at all revealing. Brady prevailed six years ago at a small event, and Osaka prevailed two years ago on clay. Today, both these women are different players. Despite withdrawing from the Western & Southern final two weeks ago due to a hamstring injury, which she still has taped, Osaka has shown no signs of detriment. Brady has also suffered an upper leg injury, but that’s not prevented her from downing each of her opponents in straight sets. Both of these players serve well, hit big off both sides, and are quick around the court. While a Major semifinal is new territory for Brady, she’s appeared fully comfortable with the new spotlight thus far. And perhaps the American is feeling less pressure without a stadium full of 23,000 fans watching live. However, Osaka’s composure in big matches is remarkable. The two previous times Naomi has reached the quarterfinals of a Slam, she’s gone on to win the event. In what has the makings of a high-quality semifinal, Osaka is the slight favorite to advance to her third Major final.
Serena Williams (3) vs. Victoria Azarenka
This has been one of WTA’s most talked-about and prolific rivalries of the last decade. But upon a closer look, it’s been rather one-sided. Serena leads their head-to-head 18-4, with a dominant 10-0 record at Majors. They played three consecutive times at this event from 2011-2013, and twice in the championship match. The positive Azarenka can take away from their history is her four victories have all occurred on hard courts, with three of them in the United States. And their matches have become closer in more recent years, with four of Victoria’s last six losses to Serena decided in a third set. Azarenka is one of the only players who has consistently believed she belongs on the court with Williams, not appearing at all intimidated. She is one of the sport’s most competitive fighters, and will walk onto Arthur Ashe Stadium with confidence.
Azarenka is on a 10-match winning streak, including a complete steamrolling of Elise Mertens last night 6-1, 6-0. Serena has faced much more resistance to this stage, battling her way through three consecutive three-setters. That may be a significant factor in this match, since these semifinalists just played yesterday. Despite Williams’ match starting seven hours prior to Azarenka’s, Serena’s quarterfinal was an hour longer and considerably more draining. Williams’ fight and problem-solving has been impressive, yet she still hasn’t reached her top level during this tournament. And while Serena is 4-0 in Slam semifinals since becoming a mother, we’ve seen her tighten up time after time with a 24th Major within her grasp. Their lopsided past notwithstanding, Azarenka has been the better player since the tour restart last month. Vika has been striking the ball with malice, and has rediscovered her swagger for the first time since 2016. A fresh, rejuvenated Azarenka may just be the favorite to reach her third US Open final.
Player facts
- Brady is the first former college player to reach the last four in New York since 1987.
- Williams has won a record 106 matches at the US Open
- Azarenka has played Williams more times on the Tour than anybody apart from her sister Venus
- Out of those who have previous played in a major semi-final, Osaka is the only player to maintain a perfect record of 2-0. Williams is 33-5, Azarenka is 4-3 and Brady has never reached this stage before.
- Osaka is the youngest player left in the draw at the age of 22 years and 331 days.
- Williams and Brady are the third American duo to reach the last four of the tournament over the past four years.
