A Black Girl Magic Match!
Tuesday at the 2021 Australian Open, the goat, Serena Williams, advanced to the semifinals after a straight-set victory (6-3, 6-3) over the second-seeded Simona Halep. Williams is the Grand Slam tournament’s No. 10 seed and seeks her history-making 24th singles title. Williams last won the 2017 Australian Open while she was pregnant, playing against her sister, Venus.
Facts only @alexisohanian | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/XKhn52zKFE
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2021
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She will now play Naomi Osaka in the penultimate game.
Watching Serena is still something special #AusOpen | #AO2021 | @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/Amg0p70SZK
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021
“I definitely think this is the best match I’ve played this tournament for sure,” Williams told reporters. “Obviously, I had to, going up against the No. 2 in the world. I knew I had to do better, and that’s what I did.”
Osaka, who recently became a soccer team owner, recently won against Su-Wei Hsieh with straight-sets. At the 2018 US Open, 20-year-old Osaka unforgettably defeated her idol, Williams, who displayed Black sisterhood and sportsmanship at its finest.
Williams said she has been watching Osaka and is looking forward to the match.
“It’s so good to see someone [@naomiosaka] that is so inspiring on both things.”
Even 7️⃣x #AusOpen champion @serenawilliams draws inspiration from her #AO2021 semifinal opponent pic.twitter.com/yzASWfp1Gn
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021
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“I feel like this is such a good opportunity for me just to keep doing my best,” Williams said. “It’s the first Grand Slam of the year for me. I had an incredibly long, arduous offseason. And so, I’m honestly happy with every win I get.”
The internet celebrated her win and expressed nerves for the upcoming game.
This upcoming Serena v Naomi match got me all in my feelings. The G.O.A.T. and my newest fave- looking forward to it, but my nerves ain’t. #AusOpen
— Treva B (@divafeminist) February 16, 2021
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The Queens are going head to head in the semifinals
Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams pic.twitter.com/QbVfJRXJrw
— (@AndImLee) February 16, 2021
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And so it is written! Queens Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka will face off in the Australian Open Semifinals! #BHM #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/kqH5dlQMHN
— Madam Vice President Harris is GOAT! (@flywithkamala) February 16, 2021
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Naomi Osaka/Serena Williams semifinal matchup. Inject it into my veins.
advertisement— Davonta Herring (@IDoIttt) February 16, 2021
Can’t wait for Serena vs. Naomi
advertisementThe winner on Wednesday advances to the Australian Open finals. pic.twitter.com/RSiYwDkDa1
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2021
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She’s writing history once again. 3⃣6⃣2⃣ @serenawilliams just tied Roger Federer for most ever Grand Slam match wins.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TS1lM8Ecqu
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 16, 2021
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Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka in the #AusOpen semifinals on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/hLpy0q8vB0
— Ron Carthen (@rcarthen) February 16, 2021
Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka in the #AustralianOpen semifinals on Wednesday.
vs.
Winner advances to the final pic.twitter.com/ZHgWCZ5StO
advertisement— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) February 16, 2021
I respect Naomi Osaka but for me, Serena has to win #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/1m60AB2nzA
advertisement— Somlomo Wezemidlalo✊ (@_SiwaMyataza) February 16, 2021
Watch us get Serena vs Naomi in the Semis or Finals.
advertisementI want our young star to shine. But I need Serena to get 24. pic.twitter.com/lJTNdD3JuQ
— astasia (@AstasiaWill) February 14, 2021
It’s going to be the first time that two @NWSL franchise owners do battle on the tennis court ⚽️ @serenawilliams @naomiosaka | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/E6UR7gEkU1
— wta (@WTA) February 16, 2021
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Thursday’s match against Osaka will be Williams’ 40th Grand Slam semifinal.
“I gotta keep going.”@serenawilliams focus is next level. #AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/hbbn01yhzO
advertisement— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021
The tennis superstars will play each other Thursday to determine who reaches the women’s singles finals.
We’re rooting for you, both! Good luck!
Photo Credit: American Tennis Association