Serena and Osaka carry stunning streaks into Australian Open semi-finals
Serena Williams has never been beaten in Melbourne once reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open but Naomi Osaka possesses a remarkable record of her own in majors
American legend Serena Williams has never been beaten in Melbourne in a semi-final of the Australian Open, as she advanced in style on Tuesday night when proving too strong for Simona Halep.
But there is a caveat for the seven-time Australian Open champion as she seeks a shot to draw level with Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles.
Her rival in Thursday’s semi-final is Naomi Osaka, a woman who has claimed the championship every time she has progressed to the quarter-finals of a grand slam tournament.
The semi-final between the two superstars, which pits the most successful player of the Open era against the highest-paid female athlete ever, will end one of those streaks.
Given the champions are at the opposite ends of their careers, it is difficult to imagine they will produce an enduring rivalry.
But their history to date has been fascinating and, given what is at stake on Thursday in Melbourne, the next chapter shapes as a must-watch affair for tennis fans given their current form.
The 39-year-old has played Osaka three times, including the controversial US Open final in 2018 when she badly lost her way after a heated argument with umpire Carlos Rodriguez.
The Japanese star, who clinched another US title last September to go along with the 2019 Australian Open, has won two of their three tour outings.
Williams was successful most recently in Canada in 2019 and also edged the world No 3 in an exhibition that was more giggle than hit in Adelaide last month.
“She is such a strong player on the court and such an inspirational person off the court, which I think is really good,” Williams said.
“It is so good to see someone who is inspiring in both things. I have been watching her and I am sure she has been watching me. It is an opportunity to do my best.
“I have had an incredibly arduous off-season, so I am very excited with every win that I get.” Williams was in superb touch when she routed Halep 6-3 6-3 in their first meeting since the Romanian whipped her to win the Wimbledon final in 2019.
That was the fourth successive major final in which the American had been well beaten and it raised questions as to whether she could still sustain her best form over a fortnight.
The evidence on Tuesday night suggests Williams is moving as well as she has in years. The 23-time major winner played with power and precision, served exceptionally well and was able to defend when under pressure.
This is something Williams worked on with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou throughout 2020 when mindful that younger rivals were no longer as intimidated by her power or reputation.
“I can make leaps and bounds and improvements really fast and I know that throughout my career, speed has been one thing that has been super good in my game. I can do it, so it is exciting,” she said.
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