Serena takes 1st set 6-0 vs. Radwanska

“I never thought I was going to go out and lose in the first round, but at the same time I never thought before, I’m going to make it to the final, or anything”.

The draw opened up with numerous upsets during the early stages of the event and she took full advantage. Djokovic lost only one of his 28 Grand Slam matches in 2015 – to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final – and has won 37 of his last 38 matches at Melbourne Park, a run that includes four titles. Her knee was allegedly being held together with duct tape. This compelled the major stakeholders in tennis-the International Tennis Federation, ATP and Women’s Tennis Association tours, and the four Grand Slams-to take quick action to address the issue. Radwanska is an intelligent player and great counter puncher, but she lacks the firepower to trouble Williams today. However, the Polish player admitted she needed to be on top of her game to have a chance at overcoming Williams, who has not dropped a single set since the opening round. I know that she brings a lot, you know, to the game.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, just as Kerber began her match with Azarenka, the governing bodies of tennis announced that they would commission an independent review of their anti-corruption unit to restore “public confidence in our sport”. “She doesn’t give you many angles”. That shouldn’t be surprising, given she still has plenty to keep her motivated.

The last time Serena Willams played a Grand Slam semi-final, she was uptight and error-strewn as Roberta Vinci ended her bid for a Calendar Grand Slam at the US Open.

Two matches still remain before that ambition becomes a reality, however. In their last 14 meetings she has won just one set. “I still have to win two matches against potentially two extremely tough opponents”, she said.

However, Williams’ ominous form against Sharapova, doesn’t bode well for Radwanska.

It’s seemingly worked to perfection, though all those positive vibes will quickly get washed away if she doesn’t finish the job in the final.

Federer eased past Tomas Berdych 7-6(4) 6-2 6-4 while fourth seed Radwanska thrashed Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1 6-3 to reach her second semifinal at Melbourne Park.

While the Pole’s record against Williams is not yet on the scale of Sharapova, it is still dismal.

Also counting in Williams’ favor is the fact that on each of the six occasions that she has reached the last four of the Australian Open she has gone on to claim the title.

On Tuesday’s evidence, it looks like only illness or injury can prevent the 34-year-old from repeating the feat and adding a 22nd major title to her collection.

“Tomas has caused me a lot of problems over the years, but it’s been a pleasure playing against him”, said Federer. “I like playing indoors, I grew up in Scotland, it’s not quite like here”.