Williams ‘feeling great’ ahead of Svitolina date

Serena Williams claims she is in good shape ahead of her US Open semi-final showdown against Elina Svitolina after blitzing China’s Wang Qiang in the last eight (Williams 4/11, Svitolina 2/1 Match Betting).

The 37-year-old American, who is attempting to move level with Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam wins, broke serve five times and hit 25 winners to oust the 18th seed 6-1 6-0 in just 44 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium (Williams 5/6 Tournament Outright).

Williams has six US Open titles so far in her career but lost last year’s showpiece to Naomi Osaka and has not won a major since returning from the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017.

But she appears to have rediscovered her top form in this tournament, having defeated three of her opponents in straight sets.

Maria Sharapova was one of those victims, but the standard of opponent will make a significant jump when she faces Ukrainian Svitolina.

The fifth seed saw off Britain’s Johanna Konta in the quarter-finals and Williams is aware that she must be at the top of her game to book another final appearance.

Speaking after claiming her 100th singles win at the US Open against Wang, she said: “When I play someone who is playing well I have to step up or go home and I’m not ready to go.

“I knew I needed to come out and play well. I’m feeling good, had a really tough year and I’m still here.

“Physically I’m feeling great and more importantly I’m having fun every time I come out here.”

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