Williams was hoping to win her 24th Grand Slam singles title, tying the record set by Margaret Court. However, a resurgent Azarenka played her best match in years, as she overcame a first set drubbing by the American to escape with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 victory.

In a highly anticipated bout between familiar foes, Williams dominated the first set. The third seed hit winners at will, forcing her unseeded foe to scramble just to remain in points. After being broken twice to begin the match, Azarenka managed to hold serve before Williams claimed the first set.

Momentum began to shift in the second set, as Azarenka applied pressure to her opponent's serve. Furthermore, she hit her groundstrokes with more confidence, moving Williams around the court. The Belarusian soon obtained a break to lead 3-2, and then another as Williams served to stay in the set. With the match tied at a set apiece, it was only appropriate that this went to a decider.

Fighting for a place in the final, it was Azarenka who drew first blood. The 28th seed relentlessly attacked her opponent's serve, employing penetrating groundstrokes accompanied by her signature grunt. She earned the vital break to lead 2-0, and fought off any attempts by Williams to make a comeback. After an hour and 55 minutes, the two-time Grand Slam champion closed out the match with her second ace.

Azarenka has been red-hot this summer, and she now faces 2018 champion Naomi Osaka after the fourth seed overcame Jennifer Brady in the earlier semifinal.

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