Charleston Gallery: Semifinal Saturday
Published April 07, 2012 12:00
Semifinal Saturday began with Yaroslava Shvedova and Anabel Medina Garrigues taking the doubles court.
Yaroslava Shvedova and Anabel Medina Garrigues won the first doubles semifinal match in straights.
Serena Williams played Sam Stosur in the first singles semifinal, both former Family Circle Cup winners.
Serena Williams was in too much of a zone for Sam Stosur, serving up a 61 61 victory in 58 minutes.
Serena Williams fired from all cylinders in the match, hitting 29 winners - including 12 on the forehand.
Serena Williams, a former World No.1, moved into her 55th WTA final and will seek her 40th WTA title.
Serena Williams' father and coach, Richard Williams, was in the stands as his daughter dazzled the crowds.
Serena Williams was all smiles in her post-match presser after moving into her first final of the year.
Lucie Safarova followed up Serena Williams' 61 61 victory with a 60 60 victory against Polona Hercog.
Lucie Safarova moved into the third Premier final of her career and will seek her first Premier title.
Meanwhile, Rosie Casals and Billie Jean King met the press as part of the Original 9 celebration weekend.
Lucie Safarova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova won the second doubles semi over Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond.
Billie Jean King was walked onto court as the Original 9 were honored on center court Saturday night.
In addition to the Original 9 celebration, the center court was renamed Billie Jean King Court.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was among the speakers at the special Saturday night celebration.
