Serena Williams

Serena crushes Halep to set up Osaka semi-final

The 39-year-old went toe-to-toe with the Romanian second seed over 80 minutes on Rod Laver Arena before she was finally able to move to within two victories of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

Williams hit some ferocious forehands and moved around the court with a freedom that she has not enjoyed for a good while to set up a semi-final meeting against in-form Japanese third seed Osaka.

Serena Williams storms into third round as Andreescu, Kvitova bow out

Stojanovic had her moments, especially in the first set, before being inevitably overpowered by the No 10 seed in 69 minutes.

The 24-year-old Serb had claimed her maiden win at a major two days earlier against Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.

"She pushed me really hard and played really well honestly throughout the whole match," said the 39-year-old Williams.

"I had to really fight for all the games.

"It's always good to see young players like her come out and do so well - it's exciting for women's tennis."

Serena Williams flexes her muscles to make strong start at Australian Open

Wearing a colorful one-legged catsuit that she said was inspired by former Olympic sprint champion Florence Griffith Joyner, Williams shook off a wobbly start – opening with a double-fault and dropping her first service game – to sweep 10 consecutive games and beat Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-1 on the first day of the tournament.

The victory marked the start of Williams’ latest bid for a record-tying 24th major title. As she left the court she flexed her biceps, and later she donned a T-shirt that read “Unstoppable Queen.”

Serena returns to tennis

The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who is warming up for the Australian Open, was at her dominant best after a slow start in which she saved four break points in the opening game of the contest at Margaret Court Arena.

Former world number one Williams has not played since withdrawing from last year's French Open second round in September with an Achilles injury, but made quick work of Gavrilova, striking 27 winners including 16 in the opening set.

Serena Williams' husband unleashes on Madrid Open owner after 'racist/sexist' tirade

Ohanian slammed Tiriac on social media, accusing him of being racist and sexist following his comments made on Romanian TV.

"At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as she did 15 years ago," Tiriac said.

"Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire."

Tiriac is no stranger to making comments on Williams' weight after a similar comment in 2018, comments which the 23-time Grand Slam winner labelled "ignorant" and "sexist".

Injury forces Serena out of Roland Garros

The American, who turned 39 this week, had been due to play Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round later but after a warm-up decided the injury was too severe.

Williams, a three-time former champion at Roland Garros, said she may not play again this year.

Williams had suffered the problem during her semi-final loss to Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open and said ahead of her Roland Garros campaign that she was not at 100% physically but had recovered sufficiently to play.

Injury forces Serena out of Roland Garros

The American, who turned 39 this week, had been due to play Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round later but after a warm-up decided the injury was too severe.

Williams, a three-time former champion at Roland Garros, said she may not play again this year.

Williams had suffered the problem during her semi-final loss to Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open and said ahead of her Roland Garros campaign that she was not at 100% physically but had recovered sufficiently to play.

French Open: Serena Williams cruises into second round

“I just need to play with more confidence,” Williams said, by way of explanation for how her 7-6 (2) 6-0 victory over 102nd-ranked Kristie Ahn unfolded Monday, “like I'm Serena.”

Well, yes, she was more herself for the latter half of the contest, which by the end really wasn't much of a contest.

And this is how Ahn described the sensation of being across the net from that version of Williams, the one where she is at her very best.

Serena Williams reaches Western and Southern Open third round

American Williams, 38, stopped Rus serving out the match at 6-5 before winning 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 7-6 (7-0) in almost three hours.

Rus, ranked 72nd in the world, became edgy as a memorable win loomed and it was costly.

"It was a real physical match," said 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.

"I played pretty well, I was being aggressive and hit some good shots, but she just kept fighting."

The two-time champion will play Greece's 13th seed Maria Sakkari in the third round.

Serena ends trophy drought

Not since winning the 2017 Australian Open had Williams clinched silverware – the 23-time grand slam champion a runner-up at Wimbledon (2018 and 2019) and the US Open (2018 and 2019), while she retired in the 2019 Rogers Cup final.

However, Williams ended her drought by defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-4 in the women's final in New Zealand.