The US Open semifinals couldn't have been more opposite. One was a terrific three set duel that was evenly matched and unpredictable, whilst the other was, as predicted by many, a straight sets demolition
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Azarenka battled past (3/3) Sharapova 36 62 64. Sharapova started quickly out of the blocks, racing to a 5-1 lead as Azarenka struggled for rhythm. From here on in, Azarenka began to find her game and Sharapova's level dropped. Despite taking an early break lead in the 2nd set, Sharapova was made to rue some wild forehands as Victoria romped through the second. The 3rd set was intense as neither player had lost a three setter all year. The games went with serve for the 1st 8 games but Sharapova was always forced to battle, whether through deuces or break points and eventually it got her, Azarenka's greater returning consistency giving her the decisive break to win the match. Azarenka has now beaten Maria in all 3 hard court meetings this year and in 5 out of 7 meetings on the surface. She moves into her 2nd Grand Slam final of the year and her 1st at the US Open, whilst Sharapova's unblemished record in 3 setters this season is, as it was last year, tarnished at the US Open
4/4 S. Williams destroyed (10/10) Errani 61 62. From the beginning, Serena laid down the law, bossing the points with her power. Errani never got close to breaking Serena and even in the 2nd set when she tried to be more assertive, Serena simply lined up her target and executed. Hitting 38 winners, Serena was simply too good and now looks for her 15th Grand Slam title in her 6th US Open final
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