Serena Williams advanced to her first Indian Wells final since 2001, describing it as a landmark achievement which will finally put to rest one of the most “awful” moments of her career.
Serena Williams advanced to her first Indian Wells final since 2001, describing it as a landmark achievement which will finally put to rest one of the most “awful” moments of her career.
“After the last final I had here, I never pictured myself being back. Definitely didn’t think I would be in another final here, ever. I think it’s kind of cool that I can really close the door by being in the final again,” Williams said on Friday.
The American veteran overpowered Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) in the semi-finals
She turned on the heat against Radwanska late in the second set, winning 11 of the final 12 points of the match to book her spot in Sunday’s final.
Williams advances to face 2012 Indian Wells champion Victoria Azarenka who defeated 18th seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Williams has a chance to become the first three-time winner in women’s singles at Indian Wells, a feat she failed to achieve last year when she pulled out of her semi-final match with a knee injury.
Last year’s semi-final withdrawal cut short the 21-time Grand Slam winner’s first Indian Wells campaign since 2001.
