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Serena stopped: Osaka beats Williams in Australian Open semifinals

Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams
Posted at 9:13 AM, Feb 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-18 11:13:57-05

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Naomi Osaka has stopped Serena Williams’ latest bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title in the Australian Open semifinals.

Osaka reached her fourth major final by beating Williams 6-3, 6-4.

Williams grabbed the first two games before Osaka took control with a five-game run. She broke Williams to begin the second set and was on her way.

Williams’ forehand was off the mark all match.

Williams won her 23rd major championship at Melbourne Park in 2017 but still remains one behind Margaret Court’s mark for the most in history.

Osaka is on a 20-match winning streak and faces American Jennifer Brady in Saturday's final.