Defending U.S. Open Champion Serena Looks For Repeat Performance

The many faces of Serena Williams following her victory in the U.S. Open women’s semis on Sept. 5, 2014. (Hayden Roger Celestin photos/NAN)

Story and photos By Hayden Roger Celestin

News Americas, Sat. Sept. 6, 2014: Serena Williams is hoping to make history by winning her second U.S. Open title in a row.

Williams on Friday night booked her place in the finals of the 2014 U.S. Open for the second straight year, trouncing the seeded No. 17, Ekaterina Makarova, 6-1, 6-3.

Williams is attempting the first three-peat of a Slam since Justine Henin completed the feat at Roland Garros from 2005-07. As the 2014 Emirates Airline US Open Series champion, Williams will play for a record $4 million payout if she can win the US Open title.

It had been a year since the top-seeded Williams reached the semifinals of a major, but she proved that she is back in championship form now that she has recorded an 18-1 record and has won two of the three tournaments she entered since Wimbledon.

“It feels so good to be here. I’m so happy. I didn’t think I would be here today,” Williams said after the match. “She’s such an aggressive player and handles everything so well, and I’m just glad I was able to stay really focused.”

The championship match on Sunday will see Williams battle against good friend and No. 10 seed Caroline Wozniacki.