Sports Host Andy Taylor | The Voice of the US Open | US Open
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[17] Serena Williams -26- (USA) def [8] Karolina Pliskova -08- (CZE) | 64 63
Another rematch. More redemption. Remarkably, this was Serena’s 100th match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Earlier today, Anastasija Sevastova avenged her loss to Sloane Stephens in last year’s Quarterfinals. Tonight, Serena did the same to Karolina Pliskova.
Before the start of this year’s Open, Serena’s last match on Arthur Ashe Stadium was her Semifinal loss to Pliskova in 2016. Since then, she became a Mom, nearly died in the process, and is back on Tour. Tonight’s win over the World #8 was convincing and had to be a huge confidence boost for the 6-time champion (1999 | 2002 | 2008 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014).
This is an easy one to summarize: After a slow start, Serena got a read on Pliskova’s serve by the tail-end of set-1. She won eight consecutive games before Pliskova could get back on the board. Up two breaks in the second, Serena had a mental hiccup, giving-up a break with a Double Fault. In her next service game, she was down 0-40, recovered, and dominated the rest of the way.
Serena’s final service game was emphatic: Ace. Ace. Great footwork at the net. Ace. Game, set, match. With the win, Serena advances to her 36th Major Semifinal, 12th at the US Open.
NEXT: [17] Serena Williams -26- (USA) vs [19] Anastasija Sevastova -19- (LAT)
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] QF: def [8] Karolina Pliskova -08- (CZE) 64 63 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R4: def Kaia Kanepi -44- (EST) 60 46 63 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R3: def Venus Williams -16- (USA) 61 62 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R2: def Carina Witthöft -101- (GER) 62 62 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
[vector_icon icon=”fas-fa check”] R1: def Magda Linette -68- (POL) 64 60 | Arthur Ashe Stadium
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[17] Serena Williams -26- (USA)
In 1999, at just 17-years-old, she won her first Grand Slam Singles title right here in Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating World #1 Martina Hingis in straight-sets. 19-years later, she owns the career Grand Slam with a record-shattering 23 Grand Slam Singles titles overall – the most of any player in the Open Era. Include her doubles success with sister Venus – plus two Mixed Doubles titles – and she is a 39-time Grand Slam Champion. The sport’s top-ranked player for an astounding 319-weeks – she owns 72 WTA Single titles, 4 Olympic Gold Medals, is a Fed Cup Champion; and last September – became a Mom for the first time. (Hold for applause) From Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Please welcome 6-time US Open Champion…Serena Williams.
[8] Karolina Pliskova -08- (CZE)
Two-years-ago – on this court – she earned her first career win over a World #1 to reach the championship match of a Grand Slam for the first time. Earlier this year, she won her 10th WTA Singles title in Stuttgart, defeated World #1 Simona Halep to reach the Madrid Semifinals, and helped lift her country back into the Fed Cup Final. A 2-time Fed Cup Champion, she’s qualified for the WTA Finals Singapore two years running, and reached the Semifinals of the year-end championship last November. Competing in her 6th Grand Slam Quarterfinal, last Summer – she spent 7-weeks as the sport’s top-ranked player. From the Czech Republic – Please welcome 2016 US Open Finalist…Karolina Pliskova.
