The US Open is heading into the late rounds and Serena Williams is into the semifinals after winning over her sister Venus Williams, while Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic and Roberta Vinci have also moved into the next stage. Roger Federer, Richard Gasquet and Stan Wawrinka will also try and advance from the quarters for the men, while Victoria Azarenka plays Simona Halep on the women's side.
Williams has had the spotlight on her for the entire tournament, as she is trying to win the calendar grand slam. No tennis player has done that on the women's side in years and Williams was able to advance into the semis over her sister Venus, who had been playing very well in this tournament. Williams is trying to make it into her fifth straight US Open final and she comes in after a tough 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 win against her sister.
On the men's side, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic made it into the semifinals after winning their matches in the quarters. Djokovic was able to beat Feliciano Lopez, who had played very well coming into this match, while Cilic won over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a grueling match at 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-7 (3-7) 6-4. Djokovic won 6-1 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in the night session and now he is into the next round. Roger Federer will try and join the two on Thursday.
Williams did not do her usual celebrations and pump ups during the match and that is often the case when the sisters play. Both have expressed admiration for each other and also that it's strange when they have to play, but they have been in this situation many times before. Serena is a bit younger, but Venus did not show her age much in this tournament and she played very well leading into this match.
Williams now plays against Vinci and while that should not be too tough for Williams considering she has never lost a set to Vinci, Williams is not taking anything for granted in this tournament. Williams has also been able to recover when needed, as she is now 18-1 overall in three set matches this season, according to ESPN.com.