Tennis on Sling TV: Women’s Semifinals at the 2016 U.S. Open
Women’s Semifinals
Thursday at 7pm ET on ESPN
(All times Eastern)
Serena Williams [1] vs. Karolina Pliskova [10]
Serena Williams finally lost a set, but not a match, defeating Simona Halep 6-2 4-6 6-3 to reach the Open semis for a sixth straight year, to set up her match with 10-seed Karolina Pliskova, who defeated Ana Konjuh 6-2 6-2 in just under an hour. This is the furthest Pliskova, ranked 11th in the world, has ever advanced in five years of Grand Slam play, while Williams is seeking her seventh U.S. Open title, and 23rd Grand Slam title. To really put the imbalance into perspective, consider that Williams has won more Grand Slam matches, 309 and counting, than the total number of all matches Pliskova has played in her pro career, 238. Williams won their sole meeting, at Stanford in 2014, 7-5 6-2.
Caroline Wozniacki vs. Angelique Kerber [2]
Caroline Wozniacki, ranked #74 in the world, had an easy go of it against Anastasija Sevastova, winning 6-0 6-2 to advance to her fifth semis at the Open. The Open has been Wozniacki best major, as she’s twice been runner-up, and twice before made it to the semis. Angelique Kerber maintained her unbeaten streak of sets, defeating Roberta Vinci 7-5 6-0 to set up a date with Wozniacki. Kerber, ranked #2 in the world and the reigning Australian Open champion, is in the semis here for jest the second time in her career. Kerber has emerged victorious in 7 of 12 meetings with Wozniacki, winning their most recent match, at Beijing in 2015.
On the Men’s side Wednesday in Queens, Kei Nishikori stunned 2-seed Andy Murray 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 in just under 4 hours, in a match that was interrupted briefly by as play stopped to close the roof. Nishikori will face Stan Wawrinka, who defeated Juan Martin del Potro 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to his third semifinal here in four years.
Watch the 2016 U.S. Open Thursday at 7pm ET on ESPN by subscribing to Sling Orange.