Serena Williams seemed poised to return to the US Open final on Thursday night, marking her third Grand Slam championship match trip in three years.
However, this application quickly fell apart.
Williams fell in front of Victoria Azarenka of Belarus late Thursday at Arthur Ash Stadium 6-1, 3-6, 3-6.
Azarenka will return to his third US Open final – his first major final in seven years – and will face Naomi Osaka on Saturday. Osaka defeats Jennifer Brady in semi-final Thursday to earn second place in the final in three years.
“Seven years have passed? This is my favorite number. I think it should have been. I am very grateful for this opportunity, ”Azarenka said on the air of ESPN. “On your way to the finals, you have to beat the best players, and today was that day.”
Williams is falling apart after an early victory
On Thursday, Williams made a quick start and won the starting set 6-1. She seemed to be in complete control.
However, it was then that her game fell apart.
Williams, after a series of unforced errors, lost 3-6 in the second game and fell into a quick hole 1-0 in the third.
Williams then straightened her ankle at the start of the final set and required a medical time out after limping back onto the benches. The reruns did not show that she severely injured her ankle, although she ended up having to examine it and repeat it before returning to the site.
It was too late by then.
Azarenka came out of the timeout recharged and emerged to win, her first win over Williams in the Major in 11 tries.
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