Serena Williams has rallied to avoid a stunning upset and secure a 1-6 6-3 6-3 semi-final win over Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova at the Canadian Open, setting up a title showdown with local teen Bianca Andreescu.
Williams was in a battle from the outset on Saturday against the 21-year-old, who showed no nerves despite playing her first WTA semi-final against a player who was her role model growing up.
Bouzkova quickly went up a double-break for a 4-1 lead and sealed the first set in 29 minutes.
However Williams quickly made the necessary adjustments and got her first break of the match to go ahead 4-3 in the second before forcing a decider.
The consistency Bouzkova displayed early suddenly started to fade and when Williams broke to go ahead 3-1 in the third set, it all but brought an end to the Czech’s impressive Toronto run.
“She just did everything well, she had a really good game plan and she was moving great,” said Williams.
“I just had to make some adjustments, mostly mentally to stay positive.”
Bouzkova’s week included wins over 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens and former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
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