Serena Keeps Vika Under Her Thumb in Istanbul

Serena Williams notches her sixth straight win against a World No. 1 -- this time Victoria Azarenka -- as the American powerhouse marches her way through the Istanbul draw.

By Chris Oddo

Serena Williams routs Victoria Azarenka in Turkey

(October 25, 2012) -- Serena Williams' mastery of World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka continued in full force today, as the 15-time Grand Slam champion dispatched the Belarusian for the ninth consecutive time, 6-4, 6-4.

It was the 6th straight win against a World No. 1 for Williams, and her 16th straight win against a top-five opponent.

Williams, who had already clinched a spot in the WTA Championships semifinals prior to the match, will now await her semifinal opponent.

Azarenka, a finalist in Istanbul last year, will have to defeat Li Na for a spot in the semifinals.

Azarenka, who sports the best return numbers on tour this year, did a fine job of dealing with the best server in the women's game. It was her own serve that was the problem. Azarenka hit nine double faults, was broken on six of nine opportunities, and dropped a two-break lead early in the second set just when it looked like she might push Williams to a third-set for a second consecutive time.

Williams, meanwhile, was stellar in all facets of the game.

"I'm just glad to get to the semis," she said. "I'll probably have to play Victoria again, so we'll see."

Williams cracked 11 aces and 35 winners on the evening, to zero aces and 15 winners for Azarenka.

"My goal was just to serve better," Williams said. "I was struggling in my first two rounds, especially in my second round. I knew I could do better."

Williams has won all six sets she has contested in Istanbul, defeating Angelique Kerber, Li Na and Azarenka. But the normally reliable server has been broken nine times in those three matches -- not exactly great numbers from the women that many consider to be the best server in the history of women's tennis. Williams, who had not played since the U.S. Open prior to Istanbul, has made less than 50 percent of her first serves in two of her three matches this week.

Li Thumps Kerber to Remain in Hunt

Li Na knocked Angelique Kerber out of the running for a semifinal spot and kept her own chances a live with a spirited 6-4, 6-3 triumph over the German No. 1.

After falling behind 4-2 in the first set, Li reeled off 9 of the next 10 games to find herself one game from victory. Following a brief comeback attempt, Li finished Kerber off with an ace to seal her sixth victory in seven attempts against the World No. 5.

"Carlos [Rodriguez, her coach] was telling me to use more topspin and open the court," said Li. "I had to change the space to win today."

Kerber, who fell short in an epic three-plus hour encounter with Victoria Azarenka on Wednesday, falls to 0-3 in her first appearance in Istanbul.

"I take a lot of experience from here and I think it will bring me to another level next year, so I'm really happy I was a part of the WTA Championships," Kerber said. The German, who had a career year, became the fifth player to ever reach the top five just a week ago.

Li will meet Victoria Azarenka with a spot in the semifinals on the line on Friday.

(Photo Credit: AP)