Hours before Williams overpowered Li, the 2011 French Open champion and one of the few players with the power to hang on the court with the world's No. 1, Azarenka won a push-fest against Pennetta.

Serena Williams enjoyed her best start at this year’s US Open on Thursday but it was a familiar foe, Victoria Azarenka, who finished the stronger to halt her friend and fellow mom’s quest for ...

In the end, Williams pulled herself together, as she usually does when it matters the most. Facing her first test of the past two weeks, the No. 1-seeded Williams overcame No. 2 Azarenka 7-5, 6-7 ...

Williams had an 8-0 record against Azarenka at the majors before this match, including a 2010 Australian Open encounter in which she stormed from a set and 4-0 down to win.

Ah yes, that famous Williams serve. Williams hit 20 aces against Pironkova, her highest tally in eight years. But in Azarenka, she is facing one of tennis’ top returners.

Like Williams, her last Grand Slam win was at the Australian Open, back in 2013. Adding yet another off-court dynamic: Williams and Azarenka—known as “Vika”—are friends.

Victoria Azarenka wins 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, will play 2018 Open champion Naomi Osaka on Saturday. Azarenka advances to her first Slam final in seven years.

Azarenka had another break and Williams, soon to reach age 39, had another Grand Slam chance fixing to expire. "I haven't thought about that actually," Williams said disconsolately.

Azarenka staged an epic comeback against Serena Williams, winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 to advance to her first Grand Slam finals in seven years. Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports ...

Serena Williams’ Grand Slam record quest goes back on hold after U.S. Open loss Serena Williams reacts during the second set of her U.S. Open semifinal loss to Victoria Azarenka on Thursday.

Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, reacts after defeating Serena Williams, of the United States, during a semifinal match of the US Open tennis championships, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in New York.