Both semi finals were slug fests, featuring challenging situations for all involved.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams claimed her 8th victory in 9 against (5/5) Li with a hard fought 75 75 victory to take out the defending champion. Serena started lethargically, serving half pace which seemed to take Li by surprise as Serena established a 4-1 lead. However, Li soon found her range on return and won the next 4 games to lead 5-4; often attacking the net. With Serena's forehand errant, Li soon was serving for the set but a double fault up set point saw her chances dissipate and Williams clinched the set. The 2nd set was similar as Serena took a 4-2 lead, only to see Li fight back to lead 5-4 and serve for the set. Once again though, when under pressure Williams grew more relaxed and broke back to love. Throughout, Li had tried to impose herself in the forecourt as often as she could but it proved costly as Williams made her opponent pay for her several missed opportunities. With the win, Williams clinched the 2013 Olympus US Open Series whilst also reaching her 1st final here. For Li, it's a 2nd straight tournament in which she has lost a match where she has had a lead.
2/2 Azarenka edged (15/14) Jankovic 46 62 63 in a match where the serve was practically useless. In 27 games, there was 23 breaks as both players excelled on the return. Azarenka hit 11 double faults and was surprised by Jelena's aggression on the court, but ultimately was able to hold her serve 3 times compared to her opponents 1! She too moves into her 1st final here.
So, Williams versus Azarenka. Serena leads 12-2, but they are tied at 1-1 this year. Both of them want this elusive title. The final's been played recently so I wont predict who will win.
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