Williams advances to final of Taiwan Open

The second-seeded Doi dissected Su-Wei Hsieh, 6-0, 6-2, in 54 minutes.

Venus Williams of the USA runs to hit a shot during her first round match against Britain’s Johanna Konta at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 19, 2016.

Top-seeded Venus Williams beat Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Taiwan Open. The world number 61, like Williams, has yet to lose a set in the tournament.

The seven-time Grand Slam victor bagged a suspenseful win in the opening set with Putintseva closing in on Williams’ early lead after a pep talk from her coach.

“It’s my first time in Taiwan, so thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for making me feel at home”.

The former world No. 1 will play for her 49th career title when she takes on Misaki Doi in tomorrow’s final.

The American won 67 per cent of points on her first serve and saves six out of nine break points on the occasions Doi was able to get into Williams’ serve.

“I’ve never played her before”.