New York: Serena Williams scored her 308th Grand Slam win on her way to the US Open quarterfinals, taking her past Roger Federer for the most wins in major tournaments in the Open Era. The World No.1 defeated Yaroslava Shvedova 6-2, 6-3.
"It's a huge number," Williams said of the history-making achievement. "I think it's very significant actually. I think it's something that just really talks about the length of my career. I've been playing for a really long time, but also, you know, given that consistency up there. That's something that I'm really proud of," she said according to wtatennis.com.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Ana Konjuh notched the biggest win of her career under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking out World No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets to reach her first ever Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open, 6-4, 6-4. Konjuh will play Karolina Pliskova, another Grand Slam quarterfinal debutante, for a spot in the US Open semifinals.
"She's an incredible player and I'm just happy to have the opportunity to play her again," Konjuh said.
Meanwhile, with Radwanska out of the picture, second-seeded German Angelique Kerber is now the only player with a chance to end Williams's 186-week reign atop the rankings. Kerber will now play against 2015 finalist Roberta Vinci, the seventh seed from Italy.
World No.2 Angelique Kerber maintained her imperious form with a 6-3, 7-5 win over No.14 seed Petra Kvitova to reach the quarterfinals. Kvitova was far more aggressive, but her 32 winners couldn't make up for the 43 unforced errors hit over two sets - 27 coming off her forehand side alone.
Up next for the reigning Australian Open champion is No.7 seed and 2015 US Open runner-up Roberta Vinci, who fought through a tough first set to defeat Lesia Tsurenko, 7-6(5), 6-2.
Meanwhile, Simona Halep became the first player in the top half of the draw to reach the US Open quarterfinals after a straight set win over Carla Suárez Navarro. Some late service jitters turned a stroll across the line into an altogether tenser conclusion, but Halep recomposed herself to close out a 6-2, 7-5 victory.
