Semi final results:
Naomi Osaka (4) (Japan) defeated Jennifer Brady (28) (USA) 7-6(1) 3-6 6-3
In the opening set, both players were strong on serve, the only break point coming in the seventh game, with Osaka saving it. Deuce was visited also in the eighth game but in no other, and an inevitable tie break occurred.
Osaka achieved the early edge of 2-1, but then dominated, taking the final five points.
Brady gained the only break point of set two, and this time she converted in the eighth game, proceeding to level the match.
In the decider, Brady was under pressure each time at the line. Taken to deuce twice in game two, broken in game four, and having to save three break points in game six.
Osaka won 20 of 28 points on her serve.
Both hit 35 winners, Osaka only committing 17 unforced errors.
Serena Williams (3) (USA) v Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)
Williams was out of the blocks firing, and Azarenka was no match in set one, two double faults in the opening game to drop serve. Williams was hitting winners from both wings with ease, and an off forehand brought her a break point in game three, which was converted.
At 1-5, in the longest game of the match, Azarenka wasted a 0-40 position, saved a set point, but the second chance for Williams was taken with a brilliant backhand return followed up with a forehand winner to parcel up the set 6-1.
Set two began in the same fashion, with Williams contributing a love game, two aces and a forehand winner included. Azarenka saved a break point to avoid further drama, and then the trend of the match turned.
Azarenka was more assured, and a love game to level at 2-2 was followed by her first break of the Williams serve for the evening. Moving better around the court, and forcing Williams into more difficult positions was paying dividends. Two backhand winners and a 3-2 lead.
Williams saved two break points in the seventh game, but couldn’t stop Azarenka when serving at 3-5 to stay in the set. From 15-15, Williams hit a forehand out of court, another into the net, and Azarenka sealed things with a backhand cross court winner.
Azarenka held serve in game one of the decider, and then Williams was at 40-0 in response. The third seed missed with a forehand, was outplayed by an Azarenka drop shot/volley combo, then saw a backhand pass her down the line. At deuce, Williams stopped to seek treatment on an ankle, but did return, only to fly a backhand long. She saved the break point with a backhand winner, but one into the net, and a wide forehand confirmed a break.
Serve was held comfortably by both players for the next six games, and Azarenka strolled to the line, serving for the match at 5-3.
A Williams wide forehand return and a forced backhand error took Azarenka to 30-0. A scintillating Williams forehand winner, and an Azarenka double fault tightened it to 30-30.
A huge service winner and match point. An ace for the match and a place in the final.
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