There were no shocks on the second Monday of this year’s Australian Open, after the men’s and women’s top seeds were both knocked out on Sunday.
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“I think it’s impressive”.
She has become the third American woman – and the third player in her mid-30s – to make the semi-finals.
No. 15 Grigor Dimitrov closed with an ace to hold off wild-card entry Denis Istomin, who upset Djokovic in the third round, 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-1. Young gun Dominic Thiem can improve his burgeoning reputation if he beats Belgian David Goffin.
Having returned to a career-high ranking of ninth, she was made to work hard in the first round by Kirsten Flipkens and eased past Naomi Osaka before brushing aside former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in impressive fashion and sealing a ninth straight win over Makarova.
When Williams beat Maria Sharapova to win her last Australian Open title in 2015, Konta was stewing over a defeat in the first round of qualifying to an opponent ranked 141st in the world. Especially as she continues to win at Melbourne Park, where she’s reached the final just once in her career.
Williams called Strycova “a really smart player, who can do it all”. Against Barthel, she won 90 percent of points when she got her first serve into play, hit 31 winners and four aces with no double-faults.
“She’s a really smart player – she can do pretty much everything, ” Williams said of Strycova.
“They’re really poor service numbers”. Serena is often coy when asked about for details about what she’s up to, preferring to keep some mystery around how she maintains her world-beating edge.
She added that the Czech may even win her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
There were seven breaks of serve in the set, including the first four games.
The 30-year-old Spaniard finished stronger in the 4-hour, 6-minute match on Rod Laver Arena as Zverev, widely touted as a Grand Slam champion of the future, tightened up with cramping and nerves.
Williams controlled most points, while Gibbs’ best moments came in the longer exchanges.
It was Strycova who drew first blood, breaking the first Williams serve, but with the sweat starting to drip off her she immediately broke back with a sizzling crosscourt forehand.
Williams is a six-time victor at Melbourne Park but there are chinks in her armour, Strycova broke her serve three times in the first set but couldn’t capitalise.
Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, picked Konta earlier in the week as a leading threat to his player, and the theory will now be tested when they meet for the first time.
There was no celebration from Williams who appeared nearly apologetic.
“I have been fortunate enough that I have played her sister a few times and I think she’s just as incredible in what she’s achieved in the sport”.
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With her run to the Wimbledon semifinals previous year, Williams became the oldest woman since Martina Navratilova in 1994 to advance so far at a major. “This victory changes the course of our game, making the front of the court relevant once again”.
