Serena on verge of Slam record

SERENA WILLIAMS claims her power couple partnership with Andy Murray has helped her take another big step towards making history.

She breezed into her 11th Wimbledon final by pulverising Barbora Strycova 6-1 6-2 in less than an hour on Centre Court to move within one win of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown.

And the 37-year-old says her mixed doubles partnership with Murray is the reason she’s on course for her first major since becoming a mum.

Williams, who is chasing an eighth Wimbledon title, said: “I promise you, when I hit a volley I was like: ‘Would I have made that if

I didn’t play doubles?’ – I don’t think so.

“I kept telling you guys I thought the doubles would help me. I was really keen to play mixed here.

“I really feel like it helped me, not just for today and this event, but hopefully it will help me in the future.”

Only seventh seed Simona Halep (above) can stop her now, and Williams admits she will be wary of the Romanian, who beat Ukrainian Elin Svitolina 6-1 6-3 to reach her maiden Wimbledon final.

She said: “There’s so many impressive things about her. She’s like a little powerhouse.”

Halep, who lost in the semi-finals here five years ago after spraining her ankle, began the year as world No.1 but has since slipped to seventh.

Last year’s French Open winner is a big fan and friend of three-time world snooker champion Mark Selby, one of only two people she follows on Twitter.

Halep, 27, said: “I have no idea how you play snooker. But I appreciate him. He’s been in Romania a few times.

“I met him. Also, I have a snooker ball signed by him. That’s why I follow him.”

Halep has never beaten Williams in a major.

But she said: “I played many matches against her. Many of them were very close. Now I will believe I have my chance to win.”