This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
August 10, 2019, marked a significant day in the world of tennis as Serena Williams moved into the Rogers Cup semi-finals with a convincing 6-3 6-4 win over Naomi Osaka.
The victory marked a maiden career win for Williams over Osaka, who had previously beaten her twice. The 37-year-old American is looking to strengthen her hardcourt game ahead of the US Open, where she aims to tie the record for most Grand Slam titles.
Williams delivered a serving masterclass, denying Osaka any break point opportunities throughout the match. The American also showed resilience after a scary moment in the second set, when she ran into the net post while chasing down an Osaka drop shot.
Osaka's loss continued her poor form, while Karolina Pliskova's defeat ensured that Osaka would replace Ash Barty as world number one next week.
Williams will face qualifier Marie Bouzkova in the semi-finals, after Bouzkova advanced when Simona Halep retired from their match with a left Achilles problem.
Earlier in the day, Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu played through leg pain to secure a 6-0 2-6 6-4 upset of Czech Pliskova, keeping her dream run alive.
