The imposing American top seed appears invincible after crushing long-time rival Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals as she steps up her quest to match Steffi Graf s Open-era Grand Slam record of 22 titles.
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The top seed hit 18 winners in the opening six games and her second serve was averaging a higher speed than Radwanska’s first.
It became a tight contest and went with serve until three unforced errors from the Brit in the 11th game, including a crucial forehand into the net, gave Kerber the vital break and she served to love for the set.
Konta admitted her lack of experience was crucial against Kerber, the seventh seed, who will face Serena Williams in the final.
Williams missed out on a 22nd title at the US Open past year after winning all three other Grand Slams in 20015, the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.
“I’m really excited to be in another final, it kind of blows my mind right now”, Williams, 34, said.
Angelique Kerber is into her first Grand Slam final after defeating Johanna Konta 7-5, 6-2 in the Australian Open semifinals on Thursday.
“I thought she played unbelievable in that match”, Williams said. “She was just telling me that I am on a good way”.
“I think if you asked a lot of the public if they knew who Jo Konta was before this week then not many people would have said they did”.
Williams threatened to embarrass her semi-final opponent Agnieszka Radwanska on Thursday, annihilating the Pole 6-0 in a first set that took just 20 minutes.
“I think I played well in the beginning, especially in the first set”, Serena said.
The German had lost her previous two grand slam semi-finals but stage fright was not to affect her this time and she stamped her authority on the match.
Kerber claimed she had “nothing to lose” against the six-time open champion. She reached her career high singles ranking as world No. 46 on October 19, 2015 – one place higher from her current ranking today.
The Briton held serve then hauled herself back into the match in a stellar fightback as she reeled off her third straight game in a row, capitalising as Kerber’s focus lapsed.
Kerber, buoyed by a new-found self-belief inspired by fellow German Graf, who practised with the 28-year-old last year, was too strong for Konta, who was playing her first Australian Open main draw and first grand slam semi. I’m really looking forward to playing against Serena in the final.
“I’ve already spent so much money on flight-change fees”.
Andy Murray advanced to the semifinals late Wednesday night.
“When I go home, when my mom will say, ‘Oh, you’re calm.’ It will come out more”, she joked. “I’m looking forward to many more opportunities like that”.
Australian-born Johanna Konta, who now has British citizenship, plays a women’s semifinal against Angelique Kerber on Rod Laver Arena after defending champion Serena Williams takes on Agnieszka Radwanska.
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“It actually makes me a better player, too, because I’m going up against these players that are playing at their peak”.
