Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Williams bulldozes her way past Svitolina to reach US Open Final
SERENA Williams is back in the US Open final for another crack at equalling the all-time grand slam record.
The 37-year-old American steamrollered Elina Svitolina 6-3 6-1 on Arthur Ashe to reach her fourth major final since becoming a mother two years ago.
She lost the previous three, including that acrimonious match with Naomi Osaka there last year, as well as t wo Wimbledon finals, meaning she remains tantalisingly one short of Margaret Court’s record tally of 24 grand slams.
On this form and in this mood – and barring another 2018-style meltdown – she does not look like falling short again. Now it falls to teenager Bianca Andreescu, a 7-6 (3) 7-5 winner over Belinda Bencic, to attempt to emulate Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep and beat Williams in the final.
“To be i n yet another final, it seems honestly crazy,” said Williams. “But I don’t really expect too much less.
“I think it was solid. It definitely wasn’t my best tennis. She probably could have played better, as well. I definitely know I could have played better.
“I’m just focusing on the next match.”
The victory was her 101st at the US Open, matching the record held by Chris Evert.
“That’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that was even an option,” she added.
“That always makes it even more special when you hear those super cool things without even knowing.”
Svitolina, also a semi-finalist at Wimbledon this year, said: “That’s why she is who she is.
“You are playing in front of the best tennis player in the world. If you don’t take it, she just grabs it and there’s no chance to take it back.”