WIMBLEDON: Two wins are all the separates Serena Williams from a record-equalling 24th grand slam title after she edged her way past Alison Riske 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
The 37-year-old headed into the clash as the heavy favorite against the world No.55 but was denied the chance to dominate the Center Court encounter. Riske’s ability to defend Williams serve and use angle shots frustrated her throughout in what was a match of fine margins. Nevertheless, she managed to avoid going out with the help of 19 aces and 48 winners.
“It (the win) was really satisfying. I wouldn’t have won that match a couple of weeks ago.” Williams said during her post-match interview.
“Every match here (at Wimbledon) has really helped and really counted.”
“I’m glad that I was able to come through. She played so great, have beaten so many great players, and she was so close to taking the win today.”
The 23-time grand slam champion faced by far her toughest test at Wimbledon. 29-year-old Riske has already won two titles on the grass at an ITF event in Surbiton and a WTA Tournament in s-Hertogenbosch. Bringing her win-loss on the surface to 14-1 prior to their quarter-final encounter on Tuesday.
With a place in the last four of a major at stake, it was a dream start for underdog Riske. She was able to find a way to tame the Williams serve as she applied pressure onto the 11th seed from the onset. Just three games into the match, the first break took place. Riske Capitalised on two consecutive errors from an erratic Williams to move ahead 2-1.
Dealt a firm scare early on, Williams battled back to stay in contention with roars of ‘come on.’ The hot and cold play from the former world No.1 contributed to three consecutive breaks of serve before Williams held to move ahead 5-4. Leading the match for the first time since the opening game. Sensing her opportunity, Williams seized her chance. A shot into the net from Riske gifted her a duo of set points. She converted her first after hitting a lob that proved too much for her rival to handle.
Despite losing her early lead, Riske bounced back during what was a tense second set. Eight games went by with not a single break point opportunity occurring. Then, Williams’ inconsistency on the court cost her. A delicate pick-up by the net from Riske enabled her to break for a 5-4 lead. Silencing the camp of the seven-time Wimbledon winner, who then took a medical time out for taping on her right foot. The mini-break failed to interrupt Riske’s momentum as she took proceedings into a decider. Closing the second set with a serve out wide that was returned out.
Riske’s comeback paved the way to what was a roller coaster decider with both players having their chances. Twice they exchanged breaks before Williams finally scored the breakthrough she desired. Ahead 4-3, a trio of break point opportunities came and went. Then on her fourth, a Riske double fault gifted her the opportunity to serve the match out. A mission she finally achieved with the help of a 121 mph ace down the line of match point.
“I just had to button up and played hard. She was playing her heart out and had nothing to lose. I also realized I didn’t either.” Said Williams.
Williams will play Barbora Strýcová or Johanna Konta in the next round.
