Start time: 0215, 11/09/2020
Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium
TV: Amazon Prime
Victoria Azarenka lost out to Serena Williams in the 2012 and 2013 US Open finals but is fancied to gain some revenge in this year’s semis.
The 31-year-old from Belarus has looked in imperious form at Flushing Meadows, whereas Williams has had to battle through a series of gruelling encounters.
Those exertions could take a toll here and we’re snapping up 3/4 for the American superstar to taste defeat for our first Williams vs Azarenka prediction.
A Look At Serena Williams’ Betting Odds
Williams has been taken to three sets in each of the last three rounds by Sloane Stephens, Maria Sakkari and Tsvetana Pironkova.
The six-time champion has twice come from behind in those matches and her fighting spirit can never be underestimated.
After edging out fellow mother Pironkova, she said: “It just shows me how tough moms are – when you can birth a baby, then honestly you can do anything.”
Williams added: “I definitely wasn’t feeling it in my legs, but for whatever reason from an hour in I get more energy, and I guess that’s a good thing.
“I can’t keep doing that if I want to keep winning. I need to figure out how I start a match better, but I kept fighting and that’s what I’m most pleased about.”
With her 39th birthday looming later this month, Williams still has a strong serve and the ability to fire down booming winners in her arsenal.
However, her movement across the court raises concerns when it comes to the business end of major tournaments.
Another slow start is feared and 21/4 for her to lose the first set 6-4 appeals from the Williams vs Azarenka odds.
A Look At Victoria Azarenka’s Betting Odds
Azarenka impressed at the Western & Southern Open and has maintained that momentum to storm through this event.
Karolina Muchova did manage to take a set off her in round four but the Belarusian was back to her dominant best when blitzing Elise Mertens 6-1 6-0.
“That was pretty good today!” beamed the 31-year-old. “I saw the ball really well and executed my plan.
“Now it’s an amazing opportunity to play against a champion and my friend. It will be fun.”
Azarenka has to overcome a poor head-to-head record against Williams, but they have only met once since 2016, so hopefully the psychological scars will have healed.
In theory, she has the attributes to get the job done, with a fine return of serve being able to combat Serena’s most potent weapon.
Once in open play, Azarenka has the ability to run Williams ragged with her accuracy from the baseline and that could quickly wear out an opponent who was breathing heavily at times versus Pironkova.
It’s always a risk to write off the 23-time grand slam winner, but 33/20 for a 2-0 victory to Vika is added to our Williams vs Azarenka betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
WILLIAMS beat Pironkova 4-6 6-3 6-2
AZARENKA beat Mertens 6-1 6-0
Head-to-head: Williams 18-4 Azarenka
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