Serena Williams advanced to a fifth Australian Open final and ended any chance of an all-Chinese championship match in the season's first major.Defending champion Williams wasted four match points before finishing off a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1) semifinal win with an ace against Li Na on Thursday, a day after her sister Venus lost to the Chinese player in the quarterfinals. Serena Williams has a 100 percent conversion rate so far in finals at Melbourne Park, winning the title every time she's played for the championship since beating Venus here in 2003. The winning sequence has been every odd-numbered year so far.
"I had so many match points and I blew it and I knew I couldn't mess up my serve because she never gives up," Williams said. "She's a real, real amazing fighter." Williams broke Li's service in the opening game and maintained the break until the 10th game. Li fended off a set point in the ninth game before holding and then broke Williams' serve in the 10th game to even the match at 5-5.
In the tiebreak, Williams picked up four of her last five points on unforced errors by Li and then clinched the 58-minute set with a second-service ace. The second set went with serve, with Li fending off three match points in the 10th game and another in the 12th to force a second tiebreak. Again, Williams dominated the tiebreak to race to a 6-1 lead, closing with her 12th ace of the match. Serena will face Justine Henin in the final.
1 comment:
I really hope that Serena's injuries do not get in the way of her winning the title agst. Henin. Henin is a tough opponent and she will take advantage of Serena's injuries. I think that Serena is underestimating her injuries a little bit. I really really hope that Serena beats Henin severely, because I KNOW that she is the better player! Regardless, of what happens, I will always have Serena's back. I just don't want to hear anymore trash talking from Henin's camp and fans. I am sick and tired of hearing Henin's name and how Serena doesn't deserve to be ranked #1!! This title match is more important than any other GS Serena has won! SERENA NEEDS TO WIN THIS MATCH FOR HERSELF MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE!! I hope that they do not cheat Serena out of this match and that she wins it convincely. I don't want to see 3 sets or any tiebreakers, I want Serena to mop the floor with Henin!!
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