Azarenka reached her second successive US Open final with a win over Pennetta in a match featuring 13 breaks of serve. PHOTO: AFP
World number one Serena Williams will try to capture her 17th Grand Slam title and become the oldest women’s champion in US Open history in a finals rematch today with second-seed Victoria Azarenka.
Serena, who defeated Azarenka in last year’s trophy decider, crushed China’s Li Na 6-0, 6-3 while Azarenka took an error-strewn 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta in their respective semi-finals.
The top seed seeks her fifth US Open crown in her seventh final, and would be the first top-seeded champion since Justine Henin in 2007.
And she will move her career Slam total just one shy of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert for second on the all-time list behind the 22 of Steffi Graf.
“I can’t think about it,” said Serena. “It’s so close but still so far. I have to play a great player and play great tennis.”
But world number two Azarenka sees herself as a more versatile and dangerous player than when she lost to Serena 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 in the final a year ago.
“There are aspects that got better physically,” said Azarenka. “Mentally I felt like this year was a great turning point for me on some level for my career. I feel like I’m a better player.”
Azarenka, who has won the past two Australian Open titles, seeks a third career Grand Slam title and could become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1997 to win the US and Australian Opens in the same year.
If Serena wins the title, she would receive the $2.6 million first prize plus a $1 million bonus for her performance in US Open tune-up events. The total would boost her above the $9 million mark in season earnings, a women’s record, and boost her career winnings above $50 million.
“Last time I had this opportunity I blew up,” said Serena, recalling her 2011 US Open finals loss to Australian Samantha Stosur. “It didn’t work out.”
No matter how today turns out, Serena and Azarenka will have combined to win six of eight Grand Slam titles over the past two years.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2013.
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