Serena Williams quest for a historic 24th Grand Slam singles title came to a crashing halt as Victoria Azarenka reigned supreme in the semifinals of their US open match on Friday, prevailing 1-6 6-3 6-3.
Williams looked on course for a record equalling 24th grand slam after storming to a first set lead, but was stunned by the Belarusian who fought back superbly to win the next two set.
The American was hampered by an Achilles problem that required heavy strapping which clearly altered her quest to equal Margaret Court’s record.
“I started really strong, she said. Then she just kept fighting. She just changed and started playing better and better. Maybe I took a little too much off the gas pedal at some point. She played really well.”
Azarenka will now face Naomi Osaka in Saturday’s final.
