US Open: Women's Semi-Final Preview: Serena, Halep favourites

We are finally down to the last four at the US Open and just two wins away from the title. The veterans are once again giving a demonstration of their admirable fitness and sheer desire to win, with three of the four semi-finalists over 30.

There’s history at stake for Serena Williams and all eyes are on her. For the other three semi-finalists – Simona Halep, Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci – there is the most coveted chance of reaching a maiden US Open final. How will the two women’s semi-finals pan out? We have a look.

(1) Serena Williams v Roberta Vinci

Head-to-head: Serena leads 4-0

Roberta Vinci is not endowed with the ability of power hitting. But what the 43rd ranked player is blessed with is enough to disrupt the rhythm of power hitters. Her frequent backhand slices, variety and her adeptness at absorbing pace are skills that have helped her a lot in making her first ever Grand Slam semi-final at the age of 32.

Probably that is not enough to thwart the mighty Serena Williams who is aiming for the calendar Grand Slam and a record-equalling 22nd major trophy. But Roberta’s style is definitely apt to frustrate the World No. 1 as evidenced by their last career meeting at the quarter-finals of Toronto this year. Serena has had her moments of vulnerability at Slams this season and even at the US Open she has lost two sets so far.

But there’s no one better than the 33-year-old to sense when to raise her level in a match. Besides, when she is chasing history, she is unstoppable and that is ominous for any of her opponents!

Prediction: Serena in straight sets

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(2) Simona Halep v (26) Flavia Pennetta

Head-to-head: Pennetta leads 3-1

After a forgettable European swing, Simona Halep turned around her season magnificently with back-to-back finals at Toronto and Cincinnati. That confidence showed in her dismantling of Victoria Azarenka in the quarter-finals which was meticulously planned and patiently executed. The nimble feet were at work getting to every ball and compelling Azarenka to hit an extra shot time and again. With a smooth and effortless movement around the court, the Romanian looked for every chance to sneak in a backhand-down-the-line.

Halep’s serving was effective too – she had 76% 1st serves in and totally flummoxed the Belarusian with the pace of her shots. In short, Halep exhibited all the good things she is capable of doing.

What was far more impressive was the way the second seed completely raised her level from her messy fourth round contest against Sabine Lisicki. Simona Halep wants it and wants it very badly if the scream at the end of her quarter-final is anything to go by.

But Halep needs to be careful especially with her second serves. Flavia Pennetta at 33 years – which is 10 years older than Halep – is a veteran and always finds an extra gear at Flushing Meadows. She has been in the last-four stage once before as well – in 2013. Flavia plays Simona tough and one of her three wins over the Romanian came at this very place two years back in the fourth round.

However, Simona can take heart from the fact that she has beaten her this year in Miami and the Italian is seemingly fatigued after her exertions in singles as well as doubles on Wednesday. With just 24 hours gap between quarters and semis, it is advantage Halep.

Prediction: Halep in three sets