U.S. Open: Semifinals Preview
Serena and Venus Williams fought a bittersweet battle against each other to progress to the semifinals. A normally vocal Serena was quiet and reserved when it came to celebrating important and difficult points, careful not to rub it into her older sister’s face. But Venus did not go quietly: The first set belonged to Serena at 6-2, but the second set overwhelmingly went to Venus 6-1, forcing a third set, which Serena clawed her way to win 6-3.
Serena continues her quest to make history in the semifinals against Roberta Vinci (Italy), who she’s beaten all four times they’ve played, tonight at 7pm ET on ESPN.
Novak Djokovic defeated Feliciano Lopez (Spain) in a quick but aggressive match that stacked up 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7(7)-6(2). Though most of the matches have been on the easier end of the spectrum for Djokovic, the semifinals and finals – assuming he makes it that far – will expectedly be his toughest matches yet.
Djokovic will face the current reigning US Open champion, #9 Marin Cilic (Croatia), in the semifinals on Friday.
Simona Halep overcame #20 Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) in the quarterfinals 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Halep struggled through the second set, which was interrupted by heavy rain. The players were escorted to their locker rooms to wait out the storm, which may have been the break Halep needed to turn this match around in her favor.
Halep will play Flavia Pennetta (Italy) in the second semifinal match tonight.
Roger Federer had a 1 ½ hour pit stop against #12 Richard Gasquet on his way to the semifinals. Federer defeated the Frenchman in just three sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Friday night Federer will face #5 Stan Wawrinka, who defeated South African, Kevin Anderson – the #15 seed who upset Andy Murray in round 4 – to advance to the semifinals.