Serena Williams Defeats Sevastova, Through To Ninth US Open Final

Serena Williams has reached the women’s singles final of the US Open for the first time in four years after defeating Anastasija Sevastova in the semi-final.

The Six-time champion who lost out in the semi-finals of her last two US Opens, in 2015 and 2016, beat 19th-seeded Sevastova 6-3, 6-0 in 66 minutes to set up her 31st Grand Slam final and ninth US Open final.

“It is really incredible. A year ago I was literally fighting for my life at the hospital after having the baby,” said Williams, who missed last year’s US Open because of the birth of her child, Olympia.

“Every day I step out on this court I am so grateful to have an opportunity to play this sport.

“So no matter what happens in any match, I already feel like I have already won,” the 36-year-old American who became a mother last year after suffering life-threatening blood clots during her pregnancy said after the match.

Williams will play Japan’s Naomi Osaka in Saturday’s final after the 20th seed defeated last year’s runner-up, Madison Keys 6-2 6-4.

Victory for Williams over Osaka in Saturday’s final will equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

20th Seed Osaka became the first Japanese woman to reach a Grand Slam final.