Tennis superstar Serena Williams took the revenge against Karolina Pliskova to set up a US Open semi-final against Anastasija Sevastova.
Pliskova was the last player to beat Williams in the tournament, in the last four two years ago, and the American made it clear ahead of the match that that contest had played on her mind.
Williams made a nervous start and Pliskova had chances to lead 4-1, but could not take them and paid a heavy price. Williams wobbled again in the second set but served her way out of trouble before clinching a 6-4 6-3 victory.
She said: “I really feel like right now I’m playing free because I was having a baby this time last year. I’m going to enjoy it the best I can.”
Following Sloane Stephens’ exit, Williams is the only former grand slam champion left in the draw and her status as the favourite to win a record-equalling 24th singles title increases with every passing match.
Pliskova’s demise, meanwhile, means none of the top 10 seeds will be present in the final rounds of the tournament for a second consecutive slam.
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