US Open 2018: Enigmatic Serena Williams reaches finale
What's the story
The greatest women's singles player of all time, Serena Williams, has booked a berth in the final of the US Open 2018. This is Serena's second successive Slam final, this year. Earlier, she had lost the summit Wimbledon tie, but now she has another shot at glory. Notably, Williams is on a comeback trail after giving birth to her daughter. Here's the match report.
Finale
Serena to face Naomi Osaka in finale
Serena, already, has 23 Grand Slams under her belt and could go on to equal Margaret Court's record (24) for the highest number of singles titles. Serena went on to beat Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-0. The 36-year-old will next face Japan's Naomi Osaka in the final. The 20th seed, Osaka, beat Madison Keys 6-2, 6-4 for the first time in her career.
Stats
History in sight for Serena: The stats
Serena will compete in her 9th US Open final and an overall 31st Slam career finale. She had lost her previous two semi-finals here at the Flushing Meadows. The 17th seed has managed to win the US Open a record-equalling six times. Serena is the 3rd oldest women's Slam finalist. If she wins, then she will become the oldest women's singles Slam champion.
Favorite
Serena goes in as the favorite
Williams is playing top tennis at the US Open and goes in as the favorite against Osaka. She was out of action for over a year after announcing her pregnancy in 2017. She gave birth in September 2017 and made a return to tennis earlier this year. The US Open could be her first title since her comeback. A special moment indeed!
US Open
An exciting finale on the cards
Serena looked peaceful and is really celebrating her growth since giving birth. "No matter what happens in any match, I already feel like I have already won," she stated post her victory. Meanwhile, Osaka is excited to play against Serena because "she is Serena". Osaka was just 1 year old when Serena pocketed her first ever Slam in 1999.