WIMBLEDON: Serena Williams will have another shot at trying to equal Margaret Court’s grand slam record after crushing Czech Republic’s Barborya Strycova in their semi-final clash at Wimbledon.
The business-like performance saw the former world No.1 ease through her 6-1, 6-2, win over the world No.54. Emphatically winning 64% of the points that were played during the semi-final encounter. Williams converted all three of her break point opportunities as she hit four aces and 27 winners past her rival.
“It’s good after my year. Definitely feels good to be back in the final.” Williams told BBC TV.
“I just need some matches and every match I know I’m improving. I just needed to feel good and now that I feel good, I can do what I do best and play tennis.”
Earlier this week coach Patrick Mouratoglou said Williams was getting better with each match she played at The All England Club. That was evident in her latest clash with the 33-year-old as Williams dominated the opener with the use of her power. Preventing Strycova, who is known for her use of the slice, to generate any rhythm. Williams launched her first attack four games into the match. A failed Strycova drop shot handed the American her first break point, which she converted with a cross-court winner to move head 3-1. Continuing to dictate, the double break was soon sealed within the blink of an eyelid.
Even when Williams was facing a threat, she found a way to get herself out of trouble. Serving for the first set, she went down 0-40 before claiming five points in a row to seal the set. Clinching it with the help of a 114 mph ace.
After the fairy-tale start, came greater resistance from the underdog. Strycova, who was playing in her maiden grand slam semi-final, had already defeated four seeded players in the tournament. Including two in the top 10. Still, it wasn’t enough to tame Williams, who strolled to a set and a break lead with the help of two mistakes from across the court.
Cruising towards her 32nd grand slam final, Williams secured the win after just 59 minutes of play. Triumphing on her first match point after hitting a cross-court winner.
In the final Williams will play Simona Halep, who she leads 9-1 in their head-to-head. It was at Wimbledon back in 2011 when they first played each other. On that occasion, the American won in three sets.
“She’s tough and played unbelievable today,” Williams said of Halep. “We played each other on the grass before and we always have tough matches. So this was a good match for me today, but I look forward to it.”
Williams is yet to claim a title since giving birth back in 2017. Her latest win means she will remain inside the world’s top 10 following Wimbledon. If she wins the title, she is projected to rise to eighth place.
