Chasing a Grand Slam record: Williams fails again

Even in the ninth attempt since the Australian Open triumph in 2017, Serena Williams failed in her hunt for the Grand Slam record. The 38-year-old American was defeated by Victoria Asarenka from Belarus 20:6, 1:3, 6:3 in the semi-finals of her 6th US Open participation on Thursday (local time). In the final on Saturday (31 p.m. CEST), 22.00-year-old Asarenka will face Naomi Osaka from Japan, who is nine years her junior. The 2018 US Open winner won her semifinal against Williams' compatriot Jennifer Brady 7:6 (7:1), 3:6, 6:3.

“Wow, I'm so grateful,” said Asarenka after winning the duel between two mothers and her first success against Williams in one of the four most important tournaments. For the loser, after almost two hours in the almost deserted Arthur Ashe Stadium and an ace from Asarenka, the dream of the 24th Grand Slam trophy and setting Australian Margaret Court's record ended again.

Victoria Asarenka is in the final. © APA/getty / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

“I hope we were able to inspire all moms to pursue their dreams,” said Asarenka. According to the tournament organizers, for the first time in Grand Slam history, a mother will be in the singles and doubles finals. The Russian Vera Swonarewa and the German Fed Cup player Laura Siegemund will play in the final against Nicole Melichar/Xu Yifan (USA/China) on Friday evening (18.00 p.m.).

Williams won the Australian Open in 2017 and was already pregnant at the time. After her baby break, she competed in Grand Slams nine times, but has not yet achieved her longed-for 24th title. She reached four finals (Wimbledon and US Open in 2018 and 2019) and lost there four times.

Asarenka and Osaka are now both aiming for their third Grand Slam title. Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2019, Asarenka celebrated triumphs at the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013.

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Chasing a Grand Slam record: Williams fails again

Serena Williams fails again in the hunt for her 24th Grand Slam trophy. After a furious start against Victoria Asarenka, the 38-year-old American had to admit defeat in a duel between two mothers. Now the US Open is experiencing a premiere.

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