Serena battles past Ivanovic to make Rome final

ByReuters

Published 17/05/2014 at 19:48 GMT

World number one Serena Williams gained revenge for her Australian Open fourth round defeat by Ana Ivanovic, beating the Serb 6-1 3-6 6-1 to set up a final against local favourite Sara Errani.

Serena Williams

Image credit: Reuters

Williams started in blistering fashion against Ivanovic, romping through the opening set in ruthless fashion.

However, Ivanovic showed real grit as she got a foothold into the match and rattled off four games in a row at the start of the second set as the momentum swung her way.

Williams recovered her poise though and normal service was resumed in a one-sided third set.

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In the other semi-final Errani became the first Italian to reach the final in nearly 30 years after she saw off Serbia's twice former champion Jelena Jankovic 6-3 7-5 in front of a passionate Foro Italico crowd.

"The crowd was a motivation for me, they were unbelievable," said a delighted Errani, who will have to beat Williams if she is to go one better than compatriot Raffaella Reggi in 1985.

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