Former world No.1 Serena Williams has battled her way into her 11th Wimbledon semi-final after coming from behind to defeat Camila Giorgi 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, at The All England Club on Tuesday.
Playing in only her fourth WTA tournament of the year, the American was forced to draw upon her experience thanks to some emphatic play from her rival. 26-year-old Giorgi was participating in her first grand slam quarter-final, seven years after she made her debut at the tournament. A stark contrast to Williams, who was appearing in her 48th.
“Every time I play Giorgi, she always plays at that level. But I’ve noticed that she plays at that level against everybody. That’s pretty impressive, she always plays like that, no matter who she plays.“ Williams told The BBC.
“I knew going in that it was not going to be an easy match.”
Heading into Tuesday’s clash, Williams had a perfect 3-0 lead against the Italian and had never dropped a set against her. This all changed thanks to some gutsy tennis produced by the underdog. During the sixth game, Giorgi battled to a duo of break points with the help of a Williams forehand slamming into the net. Failing to convert her first, she triumphed on her second chance after a deep shot forced an error from the 23-time grand slam champion. Moving her to a 4-2 lead. Williams continued to battle as she worked her way to a trio of break points in the following game, but was denied by some stunning play from Giorgi. The impressive mental toughness of the Italian rewarded her after 36 minutes of play when a Williams forehand landed out to grant her the first set.
Facing her biggest test in what was only her 13th match since returning to the tour in April, Williams’ decibel level increased as she fought back. Continuing with her trademark aggressive play, the 25th seed finally drew blood from Giorgi. Hitting a forehand that painted the tramlines to break for a 3-1 lead midway through set number two. That sole break was enough of a margin to allow the 36-year-old to level the match. Doing so with the help of a 109 mph serve down the centre of the court that was returned out.
Closing in on a place in the last four, the seven-time champion continued to weather the storm. Hitting a winning backhand passing shot to break at the start of the decider. Spurring herself on with outbursts of ‘come on,’ the match favourite still had to contend with some spirited play from the Italian. Whose only WTA title occurred on the grass back in 2015 at the Rasmalan Open. Still, it had little impact on the outcome as Williams sealed victory with the help of a love service game.
“I feel good. I feel like I did better today. I had to.” said the 25th seed, who hit 24 winners to nine unforced errors.
“ This is only my fourth tournament back so I don’t feel pressure. I don’t feel I have to win this. I don’t feel I have to lose this. I’m just here, to be here and prove that I am back.
“I still have a long way to be where I was.” She added.
Two wins away from equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles, Williams will play Julia Goerges in the semifinals. Goerges defeated Kiki Bertens 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, earlier in the day. At this year’s French Open, Williams dismissed the German in straight sets.
