Thursday at the US Open will see the Arthur Ashe stadium dominated by American flags for women’s semifinals day. On what will be an historic occasion, Venus Williams will take on Sloane Stephens followed by Coco Vandeweghe against Madison Keys in the evening session. A lot is at stake for all four women, but here are the five key things to take note of.
It will be an historic all-American affair
It has been 22 years since four American women reach the semifinals of a major tournament. On that occasion it was Chris Evert, Kathy Rinaldi, Zina Garrison and eventual champion Martina Navratilova at the 1985 Wimbledon Championships.
“It’s really amazing, not only for myself but just for American tennis.” Keys said after her win over Knepi. “I’m really excited and proud of all of us for getting this far and having it going to be USA all the way.”
Overall, it is the sixth time in the Open Era that both semi finals of a grand slam has been an all-American encounter and the first time at the US Open since 1981. The five previous times occurred over a six-year period between 1979-1985.
Regardless of who wins, Flushing meadows will host their first final featuring two home players since Serena Williams defeated defeating sister Venus in 2002.
Venus’ age-defying record
At 37 years and 85 days, Venus is the oldest US Open semifinalist of the past 20 years. Only Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova has been able to reached the last four of a grand slam at an older age.
“I think Venus is just our leader. I think as a whole, she’s just like what everyone looks up to. She’s a great player, a great person. She’s a great leader.” Stephens said about the five-time champion.
Should she reach the final, Venus would be the second oldest finalist in the Open Era and then could potentially become the oldest grand slam champion!
Stephens’ underdog status
Missing 11 months of the tour due to a foot injury, Stephens didn’t return to the practice court until May this year. Now in only her fifth tournament of 2017, she is within touching distance of her maiden major final.
Currently ranked 83rd in the world, she is the seventh player in history to reach the last four ranked outside the top 50. She has joined a list that includes King (1979), Kim Clijsters (2009), Angelique Kerber (2011), Flavia Pennetta (2013), Caroline Wozniacki (2016) and Venus (1997).
“Being injured gave me a whole new perspective on tennis, on life, and just in general.” Explained Stephens. “I think now I play tennis for a living, and I enjoy it and I have a great time. I don’t think there is anything else I’d rather be doing.”
Should she win her match on Thursday, Stephens will become the 14th unseeded player to reach a grand slam final in the Open Era. The second of the year after Jelena Ostapenko at the French Open.
Venus’ wealth of experience
This year is the 20th anniversary of when Venus first played as a pro at the US Open. At the tournament she has played 91 singles matches, winning 75 of those. To put that into perspective, Stephens and Keys have only won 13 at Flushing Meadows. Meanwhile, Vandeweghe is on 9.
“I feel great, so to me it’s nothing.” Venus responded when questioned about her age. “You have to have the desire to want to be here and you have to have the health. That’s all you need.”
Throughout her career the 37-year-old has already played 22 grand slam semi-finals. This is over six-times more than the other three semifinalists combined (three). Out of those, she has won 16 of them.
Player’s win-loss record in grand slam semifinals (before the 2017 US Open)
Venus Williams – 16-6
Madison Keys – 0-1
Coco Vandeweghe 0-1
Sloane Stephens 0-1
Vandeweghe’s 12-month rise
Out of the quartet, Vandeweghe is the only player who has managed to improve her ranking compared to 12 months ago. Rising from 30th to 22nd. Although both Keys and Stephens has endured injury problems over that period.
The 25-year-old is currently 25-14 on the tour this season, but enjoyed a rankings jump thanks to her run to the last four of the Australian Open in January. Regardless of how she performs for the rest of the tournament, Vandeweghe will rise to a new ranking best after the US Open.
Players ranking at the 2016 US Open
Venus Williams – 6th
Sloane Stephens – 25th
Madison Keys – 9th
Coco Vandeweghe – 30th
Players ranking at the 2017 US Open
Venus Williams – 9th (-3)
Sloane Stephens – 83 (-58)
Madison Keys – 16th (-7)
Coco Vandeweghe – 22nd (+8)
