World number one Serena Williams is through to the US Open 2013 women’s singles final with a straight sets 6-0, 6-3 victory against China’s Li Na on Friday’s semifinal. The American is now just a win away from winning her 17th Grand Slam title but needs to get past Belarussian Victoria Azarenka, a repeat of last year’s ladies’ final.
It can be remembered that Azarenka was serving for the championship at the 2012 final but Williams broke her serve and went on to win the remaining games to win the title. The Belarussian world number two is aiming to reverse the fortunes and avenge that defeat last eyar.
“Li Na’s such a great player,” Williams said during her oncourt interview. “It was tough at the end of the match, and I got a little bit nervous there, but I was able to close it out finally.
“I’ve just been really focused in all of my practices and I’ve been trying really hard, so to come out here and constantly hear, ‘Go Serena, Go Serena,’ it’s honestly a pleasure. I hear young voices and older voices out here and it really feels so special, so thank you very much to the fans and everyone.”
When asked about being just a win away from clinching a career 17th Grand Slam title.
“I thought about that, but I can’t think about that,” Williams said. “It’s still so close but it’s still so far. I have to win against a great player and I have to play great tennis. With that being said, I have to do it all over again. Nothing is guaranteed. Only thing that’s guaranteed is I can go out there and just try to do my best, and whatever happens, just learn from whatever experience I get and move forward.”
Williams, the US Open Series 2013 winner, has a chance to win an addition $1 million bonus if she wins the title on Sunday.
“Well, last time I had this opportunity, it blew up. It didn’t work out. I’m not trying to think about it so much. Money has never been my motivation with tennis. I’ve always played to win Grand Slams.”
