Semifinals at US Open – Azarenka expels Williams and challenges Osaka – Sport in final

• In the US Open final there will be a duel between Victoria Azarenka (WTA 27) and Naomi Osaka (WTA 9), live on SRF on Saturday starting at 10:15 pm
• Azarenka defeated Serena Williams (WTA 8) in the semi-finals after a false start with 1: 6, 6: 3, 6: 3.
• Before that, Osaka prevailed in an upper-class match with 7: 6 (7: 1), 3: 6, 6: 3 against Jennifer Brady (WTA 41).

The dream of the 24th Grand Slam title is over (for the moment) for Serena Williams. After 1:55 hours, the very disappointed American had no choice but to congratulate Victoria Azarenka on reaching the final.

The stumbling block at the beginning of sentence 2

Initially it looked excellent from Williams’ point of view. The 38-year-old benefited from a true false start from her opponent. After just a few minutes, Williams walked away to 3-0. With another pause, Williams got the opening set clearly 6: 1.

Right at the start of the second round, the world number 8 had a chance to definitively set the course of victory with an early serve breakthrough. But Azarenka successfully fought against him. It should be the turning point. The 31-year-old found her way to the better and better game and was rewarded with her first break when the score was 3: 2. Williams couldn’t answer that.

Ankle problems?

Azarenka took the momentum of equalizing the set directly into the decision-making process. The two-time major award winner made a breakthrough in service at the first opportunity. Immediately before the 2-0 break, Williams had to be treated with tears in the eyes of his left ankle.

The American kept fighting, but Azarenka no longer gave her a chance to break up. The Belarusian reached the final with her second ace.

Osaka brings Brady to his knees

The last hurdle on the way to her first US Open win is Naomi Osaka. The Japanese took the lead in her semi-final against Jennifer Brady 7: 6 (7: 1), 3: 6, 6: 3.

The two did not give each other for more than 2:08 hours. There were only two service losses in the entire game (with 6 break opportunities).

After Osaka conceded the equalization of the set, the 2018 US Open winner showed her best tennis in the third round. With a score of 2: 1, the 22-year-old achieved the decisive break. There was no response from Brady.