News

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena into Wimbledon Semis

By Craig Gabriel

The umbrellas were up at Wimbledon but the roof was not closed and that's because there was no rain and the umbrellas allowed fans to find a small area of shade as bright sunshine bathed the court and it was another blazing hot day at Wimbledon.

Serena Williams was the last f the players to second a place in the semi finals and she did it oh so smartly against Victoria Azarenka, winning 6-2 6-2. That marked the third time in four matches that Serena has beaten the Belarusian. This was their third meeting this year - Serena had won at the Australian Open and Azarenka won in Miami.

Serena went on the attack from the start of the match and never let go.

"I just thought I had been serving not so well to begin the second set, and I thought, I just have to pick up my level of play and just relax and enjoy this wonderful moment," said Serena. "I really wanted to do well today. I didn't do well the last time we played. I was not feeling great. I felt like I really wanted to show up today."

She was saying, going into the semi finals she likes where her game is and that she is satisfied with things and while all the talk is of another all-Williams final at Wimbledon, Serena knows only too well that she cannot look ahead. She still has another match to play before something like that can be considered. She has to get past Elena Dementieva in the semis.

"I think I could still serve a little better and return a little better and just stay in the match the whole way and hopefully I'll be able to do that within the next match, and hopefully a match after that," said Serena.

"I've played her a lot the past 12 months, so I definitely know Elena's game. She gets a lot of balls back, and she's a power player. You know, it will be a really good matchup to me. She's playing really well on the grass. She hasn't been stretched too much in any of her matches either, so she's kind of like going undercover, you know, and bam."

For the record, in the other semi final it's Venus against Dinara Safina. This marks the first time at Wimbledon since 2006 that the top four women's seeds have made it to the semi finals.

 

Comment by : SJ Henry Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena was dialed in today! All, this is what our girl looks likes when she is totally on. Serena, this was your best match so far in Wimbledon 09 and you know it! Keep this up and Wimbledon is YOURS this year. Your serve was on point, you were hitting strong and you were moving well. Nobody could have handled you today. Yes, baby s, holding it down in the Peach State for you!

Comment by : Kelechi Nwokike Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Congratulations dear! Wish you all the best things that God wishes you. From Kelechi Nwokike.

Comment by : prasanna goonewardena Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Go Safina. Go Dementieva. Good luck. You guys can overcome Williams.

Comment by : marva charles Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hi Serena,way to go girly,congrats on your win today. keep it up ,it's only you can beat you.Keep the focus.And remember the invitation is open to you and your family to come to Trinidad and Tobago for a break at the end of it all.You will have a free four bedroom house to stay I promise. All the best as always.

Comment by : Dan de Rothschild Tuesday, June 30, 2009

prasanna goonewardena your a hater, go away, this is a Serena fan club, go leave your negative comments elsewhere. Serena, dude you played awesome today, Just wishing you the best of Californian Luck going into the semis, I know ur gonna win on the grass this year!! Everyone back home is supporting you!! Lots of love Danxxx

Comment by : emeka orji Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Congrats Serena, i am so happy today for this win, and i know you will carry the day at the end. Remain focused and always try to keep distractions out of your reach. I wish you all the best

Comment by : Guy Roberts Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Great win Serena, I'm feeling very good about all this. You said it all when you said, "I just have to pick up my level of play and just relax and enjoy this wonderful moment." ♥

Comment by : jason crews Tuesday, June 30, 2009

That's what I'm talking about!!! Love to see you get your revenge wins!!!!! Now don't underestimate Elena. Stay focused, play within yourself and good luck!!!!!

Comment by : emeka orji Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Congrats Serena, i am so happy today for this win, and i know you will carry the day at the end. Remain focused and always try to keep distractions out of your reach. I wish you all the best

Comment by : Marcus Williams Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena Serena, WOW! Another great run for the Crown....The Battle isn't over yet. Keep your eyes and heart on the prize. Let's go get it

Comment by : Derrick Burden Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Congratulations Serena, keep it up. Keep going for the ace, you take the fight out of anyone when you hit your ace's....Congratulation to Venus too. You both are doing really good keep it up.

Comment by : prasanna goonewardena Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I hope williams fail. Go Elena and Dinara.

Comment by : kim shelton Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Great job today! Way to hold it down for the US!

Comment by : Deborah St. Louis Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Great match you played today. I'm rooting for you and Venus and I know one of you will definitely take home the trophy. You're a good role model for all young black women world wide. I hope they look at you and aspire to great things. As Obama said, YES WE CAN! Good luck

Comment by : Fred Richardson Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Fabulous match today Serena...you were firing on all cylinders!!! Your opponent put up a very good fight which raised your level of play. Great serving girl....keep it up. Can't wait to see you and sister in the final... lots of love and support Fred.

Comment by : Sandra Broughton Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena and Venus are both accomplished champions. Worthy of our time to watch and root for them. My heart is always involved when the two of them enter the courts of tennis. You always know barred injuries, they will give 100% and usually the outcome demonstrates their hard earned talents. God speed and one will be holding the Venus Rosewater trophy. I will not state my preference, as it will not matter. So Have Fun!

Comment by : Naajah Phillips Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena I love to watch you and your sister play! The only time I don't is when you two play against each other because I'm too nervous and i can't decide who to back. I wish you all the best! We're all rooting for you in Trinidad and Tobago

Comment by : Shanta Sykes Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hey Serena, you played exceptionally well today. I have to say that you really put a beatdown on Azarenka. The job is not finished yet and you have one more round before you make it to the final. If you keep playing like you did today, I know you'll be holding up that trophy.

Comment by : Jason Singerling Tuesday, June 30, 2009

It looks like it will be an all Williams Final at Wimbledon.

Comment by : kelo 34 Tuesday, June 30, 2009

hey prasanna goonewardena, you still here! i thought for sure you would have been helping Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic take their bags to the air port. nothing against Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic. i happen to like both of them but... ANY WHO, great job Serena. my fingers are crossed for you and Venus. i never know who to cheer for since i love you both either way, good luck! one more win to the finals! YOU CAN DO IT GIRL!!

Comment by : H. Luiz Martinez Tuesday, June 30, 2009

GREAT MATCH (VeeVee too!!) - sending love from NJ! http://www.hluizpresents.com

Comment by : Michelle Riley Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena, you look great and played extremely well today. Congrats!

Comment by : DeAna C. Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena, you seriously left me shaking my head at your talent, power, and all-around great game. But, you also made me giggle @ your opponent not being able to keep up w/ u! :p Seeds 1 & 4 step aside... its gonna be another all-Williams showdown.

Comment by : p jones Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hi~ what a blessing you've given us to be able to purchase your hot clothing, jews, purses and other items online, and at an affordable price, thx for the love and keep up the good work to U and ur sister. much love!!

Comment by : p jones Tuesday, June 30, 2009

oh wait!! i didn't see the negative, evil one's comment below..sad how horrible and lonely other seek for attention in a negative way@GOONEWARDENA...po thang just don't know what to do with ''IT SELF" haters just gotten lov'em, becuz no one else will...beep beep!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SERENA!!! WE ALL LOVE U NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE LOSERS HATE ON U..PEACE!

Comment by : Ketie Aristil Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena, I checked the score while i was at work for both you and your sister online this morning. I was impressed. You spanked Azaranka's %@% like you did Sharapova 2 years ago. I am now watching it on the Tennis channel. You got the game face one. You need to do the same tomorrow against Dementieva. Like i said, you can win 17 Grand Slams and 11 for Venus. Please tell Venus she has 2 more years to win 4 more Grand Slams. I love you two. You are blessed. :-)

Comment by : Abraham Funchess Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena you are " simply the best!" Congratulations on your victory today. After the Miami loss to Azarenka, commentators, with their wishing thinking, were hoping for the Russian to repeat her performance. But, you did it AUTHORITY. I hope she got the message that the real Serena was there today. An awesome display of tennis was exhibited today. Continue your winning ways.....

Comment by : Gwendolyn Williams Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Serena, you brought out a big can of whipping A??! Now you need to go in the cabinet and get one more can. Get the same can you used on Asso. Go, Fight Win. Good Luck! Oh I'll see you in NEW YORk.

Comment by : Gaamangwe Mokolobate Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Congratulations on your win! I'm looking forward to the Williams sisters final. Even if Venus wins I'll be happy. As long it is Williams. No matter what they say, you are beautiful girl. God bless you and your sister.

Comment by : bilal hamisi Wednesday, July 1, 2009

my love is in your shadow and my prayers even nearer i mostly pray for your victory not only in wimbledon but everywhere so that when its all said n done all shall know who is the undisputed queen of tennis you are n always be the best. go serena go ushindi kwako dada!!!!!!

Comment by : benson anokam Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serina, you are wonderful and wonderful. you are a lion. continue winning for me. You are so beautiful and i will see you one day. please do not do those funny things MJ did, please. kiss you.

Comment by : PRINCE IYKE Wednesday, July 1, 2009

SERENA,YOU DID WELL IN YOUR LAST MATCH,I NEED REPLAY OF IT IN YOUR NESXT MATCH.I FEEL YOU AS MY BLOOD SISTER,I PRAY THAT YOU AND VENUS MUST WIN NEXT MACH AND GET READY FOR ALL WILLIAMS FINAL,WHICH WILL GIVE ME MORE RELAXABLE MIND.THOUGH I TIP YOU AS THE WINER OF WIMBEDON BUT I FEEL TWO OF YOU AS MY BLOOD SISTER BUT AM YOUR TOTAL FAN.I FEAR WHEN YOU STRAICH LEG AND FALL ON THE GROUND IN YOUR LAST MATCH,I BEEN SAYING LET THIS NOT CUS YOU ANY INJURY,I WACH YOUR MUVEMENT WHEN YOU PLAY ON AND SAY THANK GOD NOTHING.I WANT TO SEE YOU WIN AGAIN,ROTAIT AND WAVE YOUR HAND TO THE FAN'S,JUMP AND SAY ONE OR TWO THINGS TO CROUD.LET KEEP ON PRAYING FOR FITNESS AND GOD INTERVENTIONS.YOUR'S BROS,PRINCE IYKE O.A NIGERIAN BASE IN CHINA.

Comment by : barrie muntaga Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hi serena ihope u willrespond to my comment iam from liberia we are now following all ur games by healp of dstv and more and moor girls are now palying tennis in my country. thank u for beanig our rol modul

Comment by : Joan Hunter Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hey Serena finally I way I can connect with you, loving your presence here at SW19 you are your usual serene self, you are playing great, keep taking it one match at time, next game will be tricky but stamp your authority from the start has you have been doing and you will be fine. You go Girl!!!

Comment by : Joan Hunter Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Please give Best Wishes to Venus also, she really was awesome yesterday, a proud day, I loved when they asked you what it takes to win at Wimbledon and you said 'Be A Williams I guess!!' That was a moment I really laughed!!!

Comment by : Shelly Stafford Wednesday, July 1, 2009

You and Venus are doin' your thang!!! I'm looking forward to seeing the both of you in the finals. That is really going to be something to see because both of you are playing outstanding tennis. I admire you both...but I think this Wimbledon will be yours.

Comment by : Tony B. Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Congrats Serena!! a great win and an awesome match. I'm so happy to see you playing at this level. It was a great revenge. keep the focus and reach the final. Wish you the best for tomorrow!!

Comment by : nabalengu cloud Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Love what u r doing at wimbledon serena.. Prasanna goonewardena go to hell and get off this site!

Comment by : Sean Wollenberg Wednesday, July 1, 2009

you did a great job both today and yesterday. your sister and you look in awesome form right now. I hope to see you guys in the singles and doubles final this year again i think it would be really cool if that happened again. Good luck these next couple of days and hope you guys sweep the field again.

Comment by : Regis Dekerle Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Come on Serena ! it would be great that you can win Wimbledon! You do an excellent! I know that you win, you have everything for it. Good luck!

Comment by : Dan Dobucki Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Im so proud of you and Venus, strongest tennis I've seen in a long time. The next matches will be tough, but I feel that you both are handling the pressure extreemly well. Yor game plans have worked out so far,I look forward to seeing you and Venus in the Finals. My boy and girl wish you the best (my Dogs) Amber and Beau, Have a wonderfull time and Go Get Em. Dano214

Comment by : Dan Dobucki Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Im so proud of you and Venus, strongest tennis I've seen in a long time. The next matches will be tough, but I feel that you both are handling the pressure extreemly well. Yor game plans have worked out so far,I look forward to seeing you and Venus in the Finals. My boy and girl wish you the best (my Dogs) Amber and Beau, Have a wonderfull time and Go Get Em. Dano214

Comment by : lars moen Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hi Serena, i wish you good luck in the semis- go for it

Comment by : lars moen Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hi Serena, i wish you good luck in the semis- go for it

Comment by : akinbobola oladeji Wednesday, July 1, 2009

congratulation,i saw your message and i wish you luck at semis

Comment by : kiaha long Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serena you did great!, I hope you beat Elena Dementieva tomorrow. You played wonderful against azarenka and if you do the same tactics and use them against Dementieva you can get past her. I hope Venus will be resting and taking it easy so she can win against the dangerous Dinara Safina. I want to see a an all Williams final. PLEASE LET IT HAPPEN, I'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU BOTH...your favorite fan from hawai'i...

Comment by : nabalengu cloud Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hey Serena, I am one of your biggest fans, please play your best and beat elena 2morrow, that will just make my day. Tell the person who manages your website to blackout a hater called prasanna goonewardena.

Comment by : DAWN BROWN Wednesday, July 1, 2009

yOU ROCK Serena!!!!!!

Comment by : Louise Hogan Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serena, I loved the match between you and Azarenka. You came out for business, and with fire. Lady, I'd be scared of you(smile). Both you and Venus meant this to be your year for winning the big games. Just keep the faith, and you will endure. As far as Dementieva, remember to play your game, you control the game, and keep those balls in, hit those wicked(lol)corners, and body jam her. I love it when you and Venus do that to opponents!!! The balls come at them, they can't handle them.Love it, Love it, Love it!!!! I've watched you girls from the very beginning, and am pleased that you both grew into lovely young ladies, with grace, finess, stature of knowing who you are, and what you want. Just never lose your insight of who you are, and what goals you set for yourself from the very beginning of it all. May God keep you both in his Grace. Ms.H '

Comment by : alice brych Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Congratulations to both you and Venus!! The first thing I do in the morning is turn on ESPN2 to watch both of you live. I've been very disappointed when they break away from you, but of course I keep the computer on Wimbledon.com for the live scoreboard. Can't wait to see you and your sister in the Finals on Saturday!!! Can't pick a favorite, cause you are both wonderful. And of course I want you to win the doubles.

Comment by : DeAna C. Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Congrats on great doubles play today!!

Comment by : Ketie Aristil Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serena, please tell Venus to kick Safina's %@* tomorrow. I will be checking the scores online while at work tomorrow morning. I am not worried about you. Please tell Venus not to lose focus. She can do it!!

Comment by : Garfield Hogg Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hey there Serena, good night to you. I am just one of you many fans and I must tell you that I am enjoying your games at Wimbledon. The way you are playing now, I am sure going to be watching the all Williams finals on Saturday. All the very best

Comment by : Ophela Kelley Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serena best of luck to you and Venus on tomorrow. You have no idea how much the two of you inspired people. I'm an elderly lady in my late 50's but, it's because of you two that I became interested in the game of tennis. Of course you should know that I am your #1 fan. You both are looking great so keep up the good work. You're just about there!!!!!!

Comment by : A Johnson Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Good luck! I will be watching you compete.

Comment by : Ophela Kelley Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Serena best of luck to you and Venus on tomorrow. You have no idea how much the two of you inspired people. I'm an elderly lady in my late 50's but, it's because of you two that I became interested in the game of tennis. Of course you should know that I am your #1 fan. You both are looking great so keep up the good work. You're just about there!!!!!!

Comment by : Jason Williams Wednesday, July 1, 2009

All I've got to say is, do your thing beautiful. Play The Serena Game and wax the hell outta Dementieva. ha,ha You can do it. We all love you dearly and support you whole-heartedly! Kick butt, have fun, take your time in between points and keep your cool. Do those things, and you will be cart-wheeling into the Finals. :) Big Hug, Jason Williams

Comment by : Tiara Farley Thursday, July 2, 2009

I'm about to get a few hours of sleep in right now so I can be up right @ 7am to see ur match!! I would wish u luck but u don't need it...just keep playing ur game and everything will fall into place! Take Dementieva OUT! :- )

Comment by : Bree F Thursday, July 2, 2009

Hi, Serena: last week was fantastic, and this wieek is even better. Have a great match today, and keep your thoughts really positive. Just another day at the office...taking it to Dementieva full throttle! You make Wimbledon look good! Blessings and love to you and Venus in singles AND doubles!

Comment by : Jasper Amadi Thursday, July 2, 2009

Hello Serena, How are you doing out there, and how are you as of this day? I hope So-so. Though one of your fans I am but I felt more than being a fan to you bcos everything about you drive me crazy, I thrilled and feel good at all your performances, I’m not kidding bcos this is your life, as a God fearing Men I valued life and do respect people’s interest. I must tell you this; you personally fascinate me so much. What I’m saying is, I’ve deep attachment for you. It’s like a fire inside my heart that burns with sulphur. Hence have this at back of your mind; Bond form with someone who truly loves you can help you through any setback. A genuine friendship will survive any dispute and competition. Moreover true partnership provides strength in times of trouble and confusion. Consequently, I want you to get it clear in your mind that I’m out here in the Sun-city Nigeria of Africa wishing you well in all your endeavors. Keep the good work Baby. Serena William, I Jasper wholeheartedly endorse you and your remarks. Ride on! I love you!!! Best wishes, Jasper Amadi If this appeals your heart, mailto: Jasperplc@yahoo.com. Or call: +234-806-351-9569

Comment by : Mhairi Thomson Thursday, July 2, 2009

OMG! Go serena! Im watching the game right now and you just won the second set and me and my friends were on the edge of our seats!!! You are the best player and have to win (I am also very jealous of your curly hair!) GO SERENA! THE WHOLE OF KINROSS IS ROOTING FOR YOU!! ALL 3000 PEOPLE (?!) xxxx

Comment by : Stella Hammond Thursday, July 2, 2009

Wishing you all the best in the semis.

Comment by : Sand Breck-Paterson Thursday, July 2, 2009

OK, SJ, you had me a little worried there for a moment... What a fighter....x

Comment by : nathalie holmes Thursday, July 2, 2009

Hi good morning Serena, thats why you are the best better than all the rest better than anyone!!!! Oh my dear young lady you played the match of your life and you played it well you have all that will power. Serena if no one in the world believe in you i do i am your number one fan. I started writng this befor the match was through. Oh just to see you dad took his hat off to you aws a joy your family and people around the world is so proud of you. CONGRATULATIONS SERENA!!!!!!!! MY DREAM IS TO ONE DAY SEE YOU IN PERSON AND SEE YOU PLAY I LOVE YOU AND GOD BLESS

Comment by : emeka orji Thursday, July 2, 2009

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, but you got me so tensed up and worried. i just kept praying and Thank God for this victory. Like i said earlier, the crown is yours.

Comment by : ERICA H Thursday, July 2, 2009

U MADE IT 2 THE FINALS YES I BEEN ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT WATCHING THIS MATCH I CANT EVEN IMAGINE HOW U ARE FEELING BUT MY CONGRATS TO U I CANT WAIT TIL FINALS. THIS WAS THE BEST MATCH OF THE YEAR!!! CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS !!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by : sarah pasini Thursday, July 2, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN..WHAT A GAME.....Wish you the best in the finals and yes i will be watching...You are an inspiration and I love ya.........

Comment by : nathalie holmes Thursday, July 2, 2009

HI AGAIN SERENA MY DAUGHTER 8YEARS OLD AND FIFTEEN, WE DO NOT MISS A GAME WHEN YOU PLAY AND MY JOUNGER DAUGHTER SAID TO ME MOMMY YOU KNOW SHE IS GOING TO WIN RIGHT AND I SAID YES I KNOW, WHEN YOU LOST THE SECOND SET SHE SAID IT AGAIN AND I SAID YES BABY, WHEN DIMENTIEVA HAD MATCH POINT SHE SAID MOMMY YOU KNOW SERENA IS GOING TO WIN THIS MATCH AND I SAID AGAIN YES HER LITTLE FRIEND SAID NO SHE IS NOT AND SHE SAID I BELIEVE YOU MUST BELIEVE MY SERENA IS GOING TO WIN HER LITTLE FRIEND THE OTHER GIRL IS AT MATCH POINT AND SHE SAID SO I GUESS YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO IS PLAYING SIT DOWN AND WATCH. I STARTED CRYING KNOWING THAT AN 8 YEAR OLD BELIEVE IN YOU SERENA IT WAS A JOY IN MY HOUSE AND SHE MADE HER LITTLE FRIEND FRIEND BELIEVE SHE SAID THAT IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD THATS MY IDOL. GOD BLESS

Comment by : Merri Uddin Thursday, July 2, 2009

YOU GO GIRL!!, MAN THAT WAS A BATTLE FOR SURE, BUT I NEW YOU COULD DO IT, THATS WAY YOU ARE THE QUEEN OF TENNIS. NOW, JUST ONE MORE HURDDLE TO CROSS, WILL IT BE ANOTHER BATTLE WITH YOUR SIS LIKE THE U.S.OPEN, EITHER WAY TO ME YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!! bugs.

Comment by : SUSIE JOHNSON Thursday, July 2, 2009

Hi Serena, This is Sue writing to say that it was a great game.However Dementieva just was not having it. You are what they called a true champion you just keep fighting and that's what make you special. Congratulations on your win.Even though you gave me a headache I am still proud of you and Venus, please relay this message to Venus also.It is your time to win wimbledon. good luck, Sue SUE P.S. I am a mother and watching you and Venus carry yourself makes me proud, so I know how your mother and father must feel so remember to keep bending at the end.

Comment by : DAWN BROWN Sunday, August 9, 2009

OOPS spelled name wrong(oh no lol)...Serena luv you girl!!!

Comment by : Raul Trejo Sunday, August 16, 2009

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