By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Former world no.1 Victoria Azarenka ousted the third-ranked Serena Williams out of the 2020 US Open after rallying back from a set down.
After dominating the first set 6-1, Williams found herself in deep trouble after the unseeded Azarenka found her rhythm in the rally game.
The next two sets became an Azarenka clinic after pummeling the heavy favorite 3-6 in the next two frames.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I’m so grateful to be able to play such a champion in the semifinals,” Azarenka said after their intense match.
Azarenka’s victory halted Williams’ contention for a 24th Grand Slam singles title and will have to regroup with her coaching staff after letting her lead slip away that fast.
Hounded with injuries, Azarenka saw this as a chance to prove her doubters wrong and remind everybody that she is still among the best in the ladies’ singles.
Azarenka will face Naomi Osaka in a highly-anticipated US Open Finals.