Serena Williams is into another semifinal at Wimbledon, but she was made to fight for it as Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova put up an admiral defence.
This quarterfinal seemed to be billed as an easy match for Williams, but it was a very even and entertaining contest throughout which we saw skill and talent of both players, who kept reminding us why they were in the last eight.
Having taken the first set 6-4, Williams tried to up the ante early in the second, but was rebuffed as the defiant Russian continued to push her all the way. Unfortunately, as in the first set, Pavlyuchenkova was broken at 4-4, and Williams served for the match. Looking relaxed and back at ease with her game, it is looking ominous for anyone who tries to topple Williams at Wimbledon.
Williams’ semifinal opponent will be Elena Vesnina, who comfortably eliminated yesterday’s hot topic Dominika Cibulkova, and the American will be a strong favourite to advance to the final. The other semifinals will be a battle between Angelique Kerber and Venus Williams. (photo: Jimmie48)
