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World number one Serena Williams recovered from a sluggish start to storm past Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-2 and book her place in the semi-finals of the US Open.
The defending champion and top seed lost the first three games of the opening set against the world number 11 on Arthur Ashe but raced back in Queens to win the next six games in a row - and 12 of the next 14 - to claim another emphatic victory.
"I felt she was playing really well," Williams said. "I didn't feel like I was doing too much wrong out there, and that if she kept it up, she absolutely deserved the win. But I just kept trying to do better."
The American multiple major winner is now just two wins away from a sixth women's singles title in New York City and if she reaches the final here she will become the first player to qualify for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore in January.
Williams went out in the fourth round at the Australian Open, second round of the French Open and third round of Wimbledon this year, but has cut an ominous figure at Flushing Meadows.
"It feels so special to be back in the semi-finals for the first time this year," she added.
"Especially here in New York, in my home country."
The Florida resident will now get ready for a last-four showdown against number 17 seed Ekaterina Makarova, who defeated two-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-2.
"I've played two lefties already this tournament and I often practice with Varvara, who's a lefty, and I think that's been good for me, so I'm ready for another lefty," Williams said. "I think it will be a good match. She's beaten me before. I'm obviously going to just try and do the best I can."
She added: "It's going to be interesting for me, because she has a lot of momentum going into this match."
Serena Williams is currently priced4/9in the 2025 US Open tournament winner outright betting.
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