Thursday, September 5: US Open Women’s Semifinals:
Serena Williams(8) vs Elina Svitolina(5)
Belinda Bencic(13) vs Bianca Andreescu(15)
At first glance, the women’s semis are noteworthy, but not startling. Seeds one through four eliminated, but all four participants are seeded. Only one Grand Slam champion, but World #5 and arguably the brightest teenage star in the world are present. Looks like an interesting day of tennis, but there is much more to note.
Specifically, of note are the staggering, almost unbelievable numbers amassed by Serena Williams in contrast with her fellow semifinalists. Often noted, Williams previously won 23 Grand Slam tournaments. Her championships are second only to legendary Margaret Court. Williams looks to tie Court’s record of 24 later this week. A closer look at the numbers tells an incredible story.
Previous Visits to the Semis
Combined, Svitolina, Bencic and Andreescu have reached one Grand Slam semifinal. Svitolina advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals last July. Bencic and Andreescu will make their debut Thursday night.
Before this year’s US Open, Serena Williams advanced to a Grand Slam semifinal 37 separate times. Serena’s Grand Slam semifinal record is 32-5; the rest of the group, 0-1. 11 times Serena advanced to the semis at least twice in the same year. Most amazingly, from the US Open in 2014 to the Australian Open in 2017, Williams reached the semis of 10 straight Grand Slam events. That’s right, 10 straight.
A Broader Look at the Slams
Williams outstanding record regarding Grand Slam semis only tells part of the story. As a veteran of more than 20 years, the 37 year old Williams’ longevity and accomplishments must impress even her toughest critics.
The three other semifinalists are world-class players. Each played well enough in the past year to earn a seeding and each continued their winning ways to reach the tournament’s second weekend. 22-year-old Belinda Bencic already played in 19 Grand Slam events, young veteran Svitolina, 28 Slams. 19-year-old Andreescu is in only her fourth Slam, but expect many more.
Far surpassing the other three contestants, Serena Williams is in her 72nd Grand Slam singles main draw. In her Grand Slam career, Williams has won 348 singles matches. Together, Svitolina, Bencic, and Andreescu have won 89. If the number of matches won by the other three is tripled, the total is still well short of Williams’.
The Wins
While longevity and participation tell much of the story, nothing matches the championships. None of the other competitors ever reached a Grand Slam final. Williams is closing in on her 24th championship and her 33rd trip to the finals. The lone American semfinalist’s record in Grand Slam finals is an eye-popping 23-9.
Williams won her first slam in her seventh try. She took the 1999 US Open title almost a year before Bianca Andreescu was born.
As almost a throw in, Williams also hoisted the Grand Slam champions trophy in doubles 14 times; she holds a 14-0 record in Grand Slam doubles finals.
Still Have to Play Em
While the numbers impress and the history is clear, there are new matches scheduled for Thursday night. In the past, Williams has collected over $90 million in prize money, over six times more than her semi-final opponent Svitolina and many multiples more compared to Bencic and Andreescu.
Still, there is one number where the competitors are tied. Despite all the differences between Williams and the others, the score in both semifinals matches currently sits at 0-0. Ready? Play.
Main Photo from Getty
