Serena Rolls Past Osaka to Reach Toronto Semis

Date: 10 August 2019 - 21:45

News ID: ۶۹۱۵۱

TORONTO (Reuters) – Serena Williams has moved into the Rogers Cup semi-final with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka in their first meeting since the American’s infamous row with an umpire overshadowed last year’s U.S. Open final.
Unlike the at Flushing Meadows last year, where Osaka won her first Grand Slam title, there were no fiery exchanges with the umpire, no smashed rackets, no point or game penalties — just a rock-solid performance from Williams.
The 37-year-old is looking to shore up her hardcourt game for the Aug. 26-Sept.8 U.S. Open where she will chase a record-tying 24th career Grand Slam title.
Williams, who had slow starts in her previous two outings this week, came out much stronger for this one and delivered a serving masterclass that denied Osaka any break point opportunities.
The match, played in windy conditions, stayed on serve until Williams broke in the eighth game and the three-times champion went on to serve out the set.
She struck earlier in the second set with a break in the third game to go ahead 2-1 and never looked back as she went on to secure he first career victory from three career meetings with Osaka.
"We haven’t played since New York which was a really good match for her and I just wanted to come out and try to win a set this time because she’s beaten me twice so I just wanted to do the best I could today,” Williams said in an on-court interview.
There was a scary moment in the second set when the American ran into the net post while trying to chase down an Osaka drop shot but, despite nursing her right arm, Williams confirmed that no serious damage had been done.