US Open 2018: Sublime Serena Williams thunders into final

Six-time champion Serena Williams on the brink of seventh US Open triumph

New York, September 7: Serena Williams will get another chance to equal Margaret Court's record haul of 24 grand slam singles title after trouncing Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-0 to reach her ninth US Open final.

Having returned this year after the birth of her first child, Williams made the Wimbledon final in July but lost to Angelique Kerber.

The veteran American had also been beaten in her previous two semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, in 2015 and 2016, but is now on the brink of glory in New York following a sensational display on a stormy night.

So impressive throughout this tournament, Williams looks to be back to her brilliant best and again delighted her many supporters on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

.@serenawilliams defeats Sevastova 6-3, 6-0 to reach her 9th singles final in Flushing Meadows!

She awaits the winner of Keys/Osaka...#USOpen pic.twitter.com/HSbMOahyvb
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 7 September 2018

Sevastova's use of drop shots had proven highly effective against defending champion Sloane Stephens in the previous round, but the Latvian last-four debutant was overwhelmed on Thursday (September 6) as the ruthless Williams charged to the net at every given opportunity and put away winner after winner.

Williams, who turns 37 later this month, is the third-oldest female slam finalist in the Open era, behind Martina Navratilova (Wimbledon 1994) and her sister, Venus (2017 Wimbledon).

Navratilova and Venus both went on to lose their finals, but six-time US Open champion Serena will undoubtedly start as a heavy favourite when she faces Madison Keys - last year's runner-up - or Naomi Osaka on Saturday (September 8).

There was an uneasy hush in the arena, which had its roof closed due to the weather, as Williams started sluggishly and was broken in the first game of the match.

Sevastova looked impressively assured on the big stage early on, but her signature drop shot let her down as she allowed her improving opponent to draw level at 2-2.

Shaky start for Serena, who was broken in the opening game.

However, the crowd favourite breaks back at the third attempt in game four.

2-2!#USOpen
— Chris Devine (@chrsdvn) 6 September 2018

While both players were making too many errors on the forehand wing, there was certainly no problem with Williams' backhand as she pulled off a glorious pass in the next game.

Williams' level was rising ominously and she wrapped up the set in quick time thereafter, frequently coming forward to great effect and also enjoying notable success attacking the second serve of Sevastova.

Those themes continued in a totally one-sided second set, Serena charging to the winning post as only she can.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Williams [17] bt Sevastova [19] 6-3 6-0

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Williams - 31/20

Sevastova - 10/12

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS

Williams - 4/1

Sevastova - 1/2

BREAK POINTS WON

Williams - 5/10

Sevastova - 1/2