NEW YORK — Saturday night’s semifinal featured the best defender among WTA players versus the biggest hitter. Caroline Wozniackirose to the No. 1 ranking by consistently keeping the ball in the court and watching her opponents eventually miss. Serena Williamshits it harder than anyone in history.
The question, essentially, was this: Could Wozniacki hang around long enough in points to force Serena to hit enough unforced errors to keep her in the match?
Not so much.
Offense, as we have seen recently in the NFL, usually seems to trump defense. Williams knocked Wozniacki off the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium 6-2, 6-4.
Afterward, she launched into a gyrating, pogo-sticking leap for joy.
“I’m so happy,” Williams said. “Especially with 9/11, to be an American and still in the tournament. I really want to play tomorrow on such a special day for America.
“It’s been such an arduous, long road. I can’t believe it.”
Williams, a three-time U.S. Open champion, plays Samantha Stosur — a three-set winner over Angelique Kerber earlier — in the Sunday afternoon final. It will be quite a surprise if she doesn’t emerge with her fourth title.
