Rafael Nadal drops first set but rallies to defeat Rinky Hijikata at US Open in Houston
Nov. 8, 2018, 5:39 p.m.
Nov. 8, 2018, 5:39 p.m.
Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating Riky Hijikata in a thrilling third-set tiebreaker but losing to Marin Cilic 6-4, 1-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Nov. 8, 2018, 11:42 a.m.
Nov. 8, 2018, 11:42 a.m.
Serena Williams reached the Australian Open final Saturday, beating Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-2 in a seven-hour, 51-minute match with little offense as the world No. 1 ended their hopes at making a fourth final appearance in six years.
Williams got off to a slow start on court 1, where she struggled early, trying to get the serve back on the button as it was moving off her hips.
A set of backhand drops and forehand errors from Williams kept things interesting. Wozniacki continued to pressure, making sure the ball was moving, which prompted Williams to start the match on her backhand side.
Williams hit the ball well but was unable to get much back in the rally and would drop some more. By the second set, Williams had had enough of the backhand approach from Wozniacki.
“I think she was tired in the second set and it was a mental thing,” Wozniacki said. “You have to stay in touch, stay focused, and stay with the plan.”
Williams, the four-time Grand Slam champion who lost earlier this year to top-ranked Novak Djokovic, will play Serena Williams of the U.S. in Friday night’s final.
Nov. 8, 2018, 1:34 p.m.
Nov. 8, 2018, 1: