Serena Williams moved into the Rogers Cup semi-finals on Friday with a maiden profession victory over Naomi Osaka of their first assembly because the American’s notorious row with an umpire overshadowed final yr’s US Open remaining.
The 6-3, 6-4 loss continued a run of poor type for Osaka however there was some excellent news later within the day when Karolina Pliskova misplaced to make sure the US and Australian Open champion would exchange Ash Barty as world No 1 subsequent week.
Williams will subsequent face qualifier Marie Bouzkova, who superior when Wimbledon champion and holder Simona Halep retired from their match with a left Achilles downside after dropping the primary set 6-4.
There was little doubt about what was the large match of the day on the third oldest match in tennis.
In contrast to at Flushing Meadows final yr, the place Osaka gained her first Grand Slam title, there have been no fiery exchanges with the umpire, no smashed rackets, no level or recreation penalties – only a rock-solid efficiency from Williams.
