Serena Into Miami Semis With 700th Career Victory
Serena Williams won the 700th match of her career on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Sabine Lisicki 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-3 to advance into the Miami Open semifinals.
Serena edged out a first set tie-breaker to take the one set advantage, but was turned back in the second frame. After breaking to start the set, Serena dropped the next six games to Lisicki, who committed just three unforced errors in the set.
The world number one American even trailed 15-30 on serve in the opening game of the third set, but that is where she turned things around. She went on to hold that game and then picked up a break point in the second game.
After consolidating that break with a hold, Serena was able to serve out the remainder of the match as the two exchanged holds for the next six games, giving the American the 6-3 set win.
“I wasn’t playing my best today,” said Serena. “But some days you’re just off, and that’s when you have to fight.”
Lisicki actually won more overall points in the match, 90 to 85, but was undone by a poor second service which led to five double-faults.
Serena becomes the eighth player to reach the 700-win plateau, a milestone she said she knew nothing about heading into the contest.
“I had no idea. I saw them bringing out a cake and I thought, ’Whose birthday is it today?’” said Serena. “But I really had no idea about it, so I’m really excited right now!”
Up next for Serena will be the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Simona Halep and Sloane Stephens.
