Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated Serena Williams 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals of the US Open on Thursday, bringing the 23-time grand slam champion’s bid to win the title at Flushing Meadows to a crushing end.
After winning the first set, it seemed Serena would breeze into her third straight US Open final. However, Azarenka fought back and sealed the second set winning five straight games. The third set again saw the Belarusian player establish a comfortable lead and she eventually dominated over the six-time US Open winner.
Azarenka, who advanced to her first grand slam since 2013, will face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the final on Saturday.
The 31-year-old, when pointed out that it was her first grand slam final in seven years, said that it’s her favourite number and it could mean it’s meant to be.
“It’s been seven years? That’s my favourite number. I guess that’s meant to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. On the road to the final, you have to beat the best players and today was that day,” the two-time grand slam champion said.
Azarenka won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013. She reached the US Open final in those same years, but lost both times to Serena.
