THREE of the four ASB Classic semi-finalists hail from the United States after favourable results in today’s quarter finals. Number one seed, Serena Williams led the charge for her nation, joined in the semi-finals by Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula. The remaining player making it through to the final four was fifth seed, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki.

The clear tournament favourite from the start, Williams continued to cruise through the ASB Classic with an easy 6-4 6-3 triumph over German Laura Siegemund. One of the greatest players of all time is clearly warming up for a crack at another Grand Slam title, and had no problems moving through to he final four, producing six aces and winning 76 per cent of her first serve points, while cracking down on her opponent. She restricted Siegemund to just 58 per cent of points won on her first serve, and converted three of a possible four break point opportunities to set up a semi-finals clash with Anisimova.

It took the third seed American three sets to get past Canadian, Eugenie Bouchard, winning 6-2 3-6 6-4 as both players struggled on serve. A total of 13 breaks occured, with a massive 30 break point opportunities between the players producing just one ace and five double faults combined. It was Anisimova’s second serve winning percentage of 59 to her opponents’ 29, that was the ultimate difference in the end of what was a close match.

The third American through to the semi-finals was Pegula who spent the least time on court on her way to a 6-0 3-2 win over Alize Cornet. The Frenchwoman had to retired following the fifth game of the second set, looking out of sorts against a dominant Pegula, who won 86 per cent of her first serve points and 80 per cent of her second serve, breaking four times and holding a break in that second set. She will face fifth seed Wozniacki in the other semi-final.

Wozniacki had to overcome an in-form Julia Gorges 6-1 6-4, dominating her first serve with four aces at 76 per cent in, as well as 75 per cent won. Gorges on the other hand had just two aces to go with five double faults and 57 per cent of her first serves in. Wozniacki capitalised on three break point opportunities, while Gorges could not make the most of three opportunities, unable to string back-to-back games together.