Serena Williams’ quest to land her 24th Grand Slam singles title came to a stunning end after Victoria Azarenka defeated her in the semi-finals of the US Open in the early hours of Friday morning.
The American won the first set 6-1 but her Belarusian opponent won the last two sets 6-3 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to set up US Open final showdown with Naomi Osaka.
Williams, who has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles since winning the 2017 Australian Open, was hindered by a jarred ankle in the final set.
Azarenka will play Japan’s Naomi Osaka on Saturday in her third final at Flushing Meadows.