By Erik Gudris | Saturday, May 14, 2016
Serena Williams endured tough conditions and a tough opponent before booking her place once again in the Rome final.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
World No. 1 Serena Williams will once again seek to raise the trophy in Rome after getting through a testing semifinal at the Italian Open.
Waiting for the three-time event winner will be fellow American Madison Keys.
WTA: Keys Upsets Muguruza To Reach Rome Final
Williams faced off for the first time ever against Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu playing in her first ever WTA Premier semifinal. Begu, who earlier reached the Madrid quarterfinals, got to to the last four in Rome with several good wins including over Victoria Azarenka.
Rainy weather caused several delays during the opening set.
After showing imperious form in her last match against Svetlana Kuznetsova, Williams struggled to produce the same form against the Romanian. Begu, despite the big occasion, proved she was not intimidated as she matched Williams early in many of their rallies.
Though Williams earned a 3-1 lead, Begu broke right back with solid hitting and good movement around the court. Rain halted play again with Begu serving to save a break point at 3-2.
Williams eventually earned the break thanks to a Begu backhand error. But Williams couldn’t keep up her momentum. Eventually Begu broke Williams again and soon leveled things at 4-all. Williams found her big serve just when she needed it in the next game.
Williams struck her third ace before yelling “Come on!” to fire herself up. Soon, Williams edged ahead again for 5-4.
Begu played a poor game as she tried to serve to stay in the set. Williams, on set point, fired off a big return to seal the set 6-4.
Both players traded service breaks to start the second set. But Williams, finding her range and hitting with more power, started to make inroads against Begu.
Williams forced the issue in the fourth game to earn another break for 3-1. Then Williams started to pull away with cleaner hitting and her opponent couldn’t keep up. Williams eventually secured yet another break for 5-1.
On match point, Williams came to net to finish off a volley winner just as blue skies finally started to break out over the stadium. With that, Williams completed the 6-4, 6-1 win.
Williams is now into her fourth Italian Open final having won previously in 2002, 2013, and 2014.
Williams will face off against fellow American Madison Keys who earlier upset No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza 7-6(5) 6-4. The all-American women’s final is the first in event history since the Open Era.