Serena outguns Azarenka to book semis spot
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Serena Williams moved a step closer to a second successive Wimbledon final against sister Venus after outmuscling her quarter-final opponent Victoria Azarenka 6-2 6-3.
The two-time champion hit 13 winners and made a solitary error on her way to sealing the first set before the Belarussian got into the match in the second.
But the American proved too ruthless for Azarenka, sealing another straight sets victory in a little over an hour.
After breaking twice in a near-perfect first set, Serena’s first serve percentage dropped at the start of the second, allowing Azarenka to get a foothold in the match.
The 19-year-old made it count, breaking serve for the first time in game five when Serena netted a forehand. But it was to be the last game the Belarussian would win.
Williams stepped up a level, and a brutal return onto the baseline forced the error from Azarenka to break straight back.
The No.8 seed double faulted to hand Serena a second break, and the American served out the match to love.
Despite racing to another comprehensive victory, the world No.2 still sees room for improvement. “I think my game is in a good state. I am definitely satisfied,” she said aferrwards.
“I think I could still serve a little better and return a little better and just stay in the match the whole way,” she added. “Hopefully I’ll be able to do that within the next match, and hopefully a match after that.”
“She was striking the ball so hard and so good,” said Azarenka afterwards. “She didn’t give me many opportunities, you know. She really showed the unbeatable Serena today, I guess.”
Williams will meet Elena Dementieva, another player yet to drop a set at this year’s Wimbledon, in the semi finals.
The Russian reached the last four for the second year in a row with a routine 6-2 6-2 win over Francesca Schiavone.
“I am sure it will be a tough challenge for me against Serena, as she likes to play on grass. But I just want to give myself another try.”
