US Open 2020: Victoria Azarenka Knocks Out 6-time Champ Serena Williams In Semi-Final

The unseeded Azarenka came back from a set down to win the semifinal clash against her fierce American rival Serena Williams in three sets in an hour and 55 minutes with the scoreline reading 1-6, 6-3 and 6-3.

Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka knocked out six time US Open champion Serena Williams by beating the number 3 seed American in the 2020 US Open women's singles semifinals played out at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. Azarenka came back from a set down to win the semifinal clash against her fierce American rival Serena Williams in three sets in an hour and 55 minutes with the scoreline reading 1-6, 6-3 and 6-3. Azarenka will now take on Japan's Naomi Osaka in the title clash for the women's singles crown to be played at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 13. Azarenka had lost her previous two US Open finals to Serena Williams in 2012 and 2013.

✅ 11 wins in a row ✅ First win over Serena at the #USOpen ✅ First Grand Slam final since 2013

She's back. pic.twitter.com/bYStP2VVOZ — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2020

It is notable that the win in the 2020 US Open semis was also the first for Azarenka against Serena at Grand Slams as the American enjoyed a dominant 11-0 streak against her at the grand slam tournaments. Azarenka, the 2-time Australian Open winner who was playing her first Grand Slam semi-final in seven years, got better and better as the game went into the second and third set and dominated the baseline slug-fest against Williams. Azarenka: "I knew it wasn't over until it is all over. We both know that and today it was different." "Finding my calm mind is daily work. I had to keep moving, get the energy, no crowds so I had to do it myself. She put me in a hole after first set. It wasn't easy." "I hope tonight's match inspires women to go after their dreams. They can do many things in their lives. I'm a mom outside, but on court I can go for my dreams, inspire my child." "Super fun to play Naomi Osaka. She is super powerful. Playing in the final is a great opportunity and I'm going to make the most of it. I saw her match today and there were great rallies. We couldn't play last week so I'm looking forward to it" The unseeded Belorussian player has been at the receiving end of Serena in a decade old rivalry with the record heavily titled in Serena's favour.