SERENA ADVANCES TO FINAL
Serena Williams had allowed Li Na to get back in the opening set and into the first-set tie breaker. Now, she skipped a backhand into the net like a weekend parks and recreation player, committing her second double fault as she clung to a 4-3 lead. Williams stopped, breathed hard and glared. It was time to turn it on, and did she ever. Williams rocketed forehands, sliced backhands and finally dismissed Li with her serve, the weapon that is without peer on the women’s circuit. Williams aced Li, most remarkably perhaps, on her second serve. It was a burst of tennis that showcased all of Williams’s power, savvy and resolve. When the serve skipped by Li, Williams roared and pumped her fist and was on her way to the Australian Open final for the fifth time, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1), on Thursday. (NY Times)