Amazing Serena batters Radwanska enroute Australian Open final
Serena Williams has delivered a stunning semi-final display to crush Agnieszka Radwanska and reach her seventh Australian Open decider.
The world number one was in a destructive mood early under the Rod Laver Arena roof, blasting her way through the opening set before closing out a 6-0 6-4 win on Thursday.
Williams, a 21-time grand slam champion, gave the Polish fourth seed few chances, hitting 42 winners in a fine display of power hitting in just 64 minutes on court.
With the win, she reached her 26th grand slam final and fifth in the past six majors.
Radwanska, the 2012 Wimbledon runner-up, had lost all eight previous meetings with Williams and that never looked like becoming anything other than nine.
Williams has gone on to win the year’s first grand slam every time she has reached at least the last four and she will take some stopping by Angelique Kerber or Johanna Konta.
Radwanska was 10-0 this year heading into this match, but the American simply hit her off the court early.
Williams stepped into short Radwanska returns, winning 22 of 25 points at the net.
Williams’ intent was clear from the outset, jumping all over Radwanska’s serve with two clean return winners to break in the opening game.
Radwanska needed errors from Williams’ aggression, but it was mostly winners – eight in the first three games – forthcoming.
There was initially no drop in level from Williams, who lost just seven points on her way to winning the set in 20 minutes.
Radwanska finally got on the board in the opening game of the second set before breaking the Williams serve for 3-3.
The crowd rallied for Radwanska – wanting a longer match – but when Williams broke for 5-4, the contest was over.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Williams [1] bt Radwanska [4] 6-0 6-4
ACES
Williams – 8
Radwanska – 0
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Williams – 42/17
Radwanska – 4/7
BREAK POINTS WON
Williams – 5/6
Radwanska – 1/2
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Williams – 63
Radwanska – 54
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Williams – 88/47
Radwanska – 54/33
TOTAL POINTS
Williams – 59
Radwanska – 34
