News Digest

Racquet-smashing win gives Williams a spot in WTA final

World No.1 Serena Williams gave a fiery display of her fighting spirit on Saturday afternoon during her WTA semi-final against Caroline Wozniacki in Singapore. Williams had a 9-1 head-to-head record going into the game against the Dane, but got off to a slow start in the opening set. The American’s frustration came to a boil when she went 5-2 down after sending the ball into the net. Williams proceeded to smash her racquet multiple times into the ground, leaving it in an obliterated, mangled mess. Her act left the crowd gasping and earned her a warning from the chair umpire.

I don’t know how many times I hit it but boy, that racquet will never do me wrong again, I tell you. It was definitely legendary.

Serena Williams’ embarrassing defeat to Simona Halep

Williams went on to lose the set 6-2, but ultimately came roaring back to win 6-3 in the second and eke out a thrilling third 7-6(6) - leaving her in a good enough mood to joke about her racquet smash at the post-game press conference. The 33-year-old explained that her anger stemmed from giving “everything” when she plays. “At least you know I’m passionate,” she joked. Williams will face off on Sunday against Romanian Simona Halep.