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  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

MIAMI, FL, USA – Former World No.1 Venus Williams played stellar tennis from start to finish to upset top-ranked Angelique Kerber, 7-5, 6-3, to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open.

“It was an interesting match,” she said in her press conference. “I was controlling it. I had more errors than I like and lower first serve percentage than I would like. For me, I’m looking at it from a standpoint of how can I get better.

“I have to play well against the No. 1 in the world. She’s on top of her game and she played well, so I had to find a way to play a little better.”

Williams and Kerber last played in the semifinals of Wimbledon last summer, where the German won in straight sets, and appeared on course for a similar decision at the start as she broke to open the match.

But Venus employed a hyper-aggressive gameplan throughout the one hour and 39 minute match, striking crisp groundstrokes and finishing quite a few points at the net to stay ahead of last year’s Australian Open and US Open champion.

Kerber tried to find her way back in the second set, staying within one break and saving four match points – three with searing forehand winners – but Venus ultimately proved too strong, striking 32 winners to 27 from the German.

“She was really aggressive from the beginning, and was hitting the balls really hard,” Kerber said after the match. “I think I didn’t move too well today, and made a lot of mistakes, which isn’t normal for my game. It wasn’t my best game, but she deserved to win because she played really well tonight.

“This wasn’t the best start I would have wished for,” she added of her season, “but it’s not a drama because I’m still playing good and winning matches. I’m looking forward to playing again.”

Up next for the American is British No.1 Johanna Konta, who enjoyed a comeback win over No.3 seed Simona Halep earlier on Wednesday.

“She played well, served well,” Venus said of their last meeting, which Konta won in the Bank of the West Classic final. “Tomorrow is an opportunity for me to come out and play hopefully better than today. There are a few things I would like to work on. Outside of that, just come out fresh eyes, fresh feet, and big shots.

“That’s my plan.”

Someone particularly proud of Venus tweeted her support after the match; it was none other than little sister and 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams:

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22 Snaps Of Serena’s 22nd Major Title

22 Snaps Of Serena’s 22nd Major Title

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970
Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber walk out on to Centre Court for the Wimbledon ladies final.

Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber walk out on to Centre Court for the Wimbledon ladies final.

It's the second time these two have met in the finals of a Grand Slam this year, with Serena having lost to Kerber at the Australian Open.

It’s the second time these two have met in the finals of a Grand Slam this year, with Serena having lost to Kerber at the Australian Open.

It was Serena's powerful serve against Kerber's tenacious rallying.

It was Serena’s powerful serve against Kerber’s tenacious rallying.

The match featured sizzling baseline battles punctuated by forays to the net.

The match featured sizzling baseline battles punctuated by forays to the net.

Kerber did her part to keep the match competitive and stayed aggressive throughout.

Kerber did her part to keep the match competitive and stayed aggressive throughout.

Famous fans: Beyonce and Jay-Z were in Serena's box rooting for the World No.1.

Famous fans: Beyonce and Jay-Z were in Serena’s box rooting for the World No.1.

They weren't the only famous faces in the crowd: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi enjoyed some world class commentary from Billie Jean King.

They weren’t the only famous faces in the crowd: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi enjoyed some world class commentary from Billie Jean King.

Championship point! Serena reacts to winning the match.

Championship point! Serena reacts to winning the match.

Serena collapsed in elation after winning her seventh Wimbledon title.

Serena collapsed in elation after winning her seventh Wimbledon title.

Respect: the finalists share a hug at the net.

Respect: the finalists share a hug at the net.

Serena avenged her Australian Open loss to Kerber.

Serena avenged her Australian Open loss to Kerber.

Nope, that's not world peace. Serena now holds 22 Grand Slam titles, tying Graf's all-time record.

Nope, that’s not world peace. Serena now holds 22 Grand Slam titles, tying Graf’s all-time record.

Serena finally reunited with a familiar prize: the Venus Rose Water Dish.

Serena finally reunited with a familiar prize: the Venus Rose Water Dish.

Both finalists received their trophies and exchanged words of admiration.

Both finalists received their trophies and exchanged words of admiration.

The Wimbledon Ladies' trophy, back in Serena's hands...

The Wimbledon Ladies’ trophy, back in Serena’s hands…

The BBC's Sue Barker did the post-match interview.

The BBC’s Sue Barker did the post-match interview.

The finalists and their trophies.

The finalists and their trophies.

Kerber took a lap and walked off Centre Court with her head held high.

Kerber took a lap and walked off Centre Court with her head held high.

But for the champion, it was time for photos.

But for the champion, it was time for photos.

All eyes were on the World No.1 on her historic day.

All eyes were on the World No.1 on her historic day.

Afterwards, Serena stepped out to the All England Club balcony to greet the gathered crowd.

Afterwards, Serena stepped out to the All England Club balcony to greet the gathered crowd.

Serena presented the trophy to the All England Club for the seventh time.

Serena presented the trophy to the All England Club for the seventh time.

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