Serena, Azarenka Book Final After US Open Semis
Serena Williams will meet Victoria Azarenka in the 2013 US Open final after both completed predictable straight-set wins on Friday in Flushing Meadows.
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Williams extended her game winning streak in the tournament to 24 until finally giving up a game to China’s Li Na, eventually winning handily 6-0, 6-3. In the second set Na broke for a 2-1 lead before Williams applied the hammer, winning five of the next six games.
“Li Na’s such a great player,” Williams said in her on-court interview. “It was tough at the end of the match, and I got a little bit nervous there, but I was able to close it out finally…To come out here and constantly hear, ‘Go Serena, Go Serena,’ it’s honestly a pleasure. I hear young voices and older voices out here and it really feels so special, so thank you very much to the fans and everyone.”
In the final the world No. 1 will face Azarenka in a growing rivalry. Azarenka topped unseeded Flavia Pennetta 6-4, 6-2 in a match featuring a number of service breaks.
“It’s been a long road to the final and it’s an amazing feeling to come out here and fight for that trophy on Sunday,” Azarenka said. “I’m definitely giving myself the best chance for my dreams here.”
Azarenka is 2-1 in career Slam finals entering the Sunday match-up with Williams.
“You’ve got to fight,” said Azarenka on facing the current world No. 1. “You’ve got to run, you’ve got to grind, and you’ve got to bite with your teeth for whatever opportunity you have out there. She’s obviously an amazing player. She’s the greatest player of all time.”
Serena leads the head-to-head series 12-3, but Azarenka won their most recent meeting this summer in Cincinnati.
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