Serena Williams' wait for a sixth Australian Open title is nearing a conclusion after the top seed disposed of 2014 finalist Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2 in their quarterfinal clash Wednesday.
Williams came into the tournament having not reached the semifinals since she won it all in 2010, but the 33-year-old's drought finally came to an end against Cibulkova. She tallied 15 aces and 31 winners while not facing a break point in a little over an hour at Rod Laver Arena.
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The 18-time Grand Slam winner will face fellow American Madison Keys for a spot in the final. Keys downed Serena's sister, Venus, in three sets.
One possible concern heading into the match is Serena's health. She told reporters after her match that she is battling a cold.
"I've been sick the past few days, and it's just getting worse and worse, but hopefully it will get better," Williams said, according to The Associated Press. "I heard there's a virus going around with a lot of the players, and I think I caught it."
Williams looked very fit as she asserted her dominance early in the match, breaking Cibulkova in just the third game for a 2-1 lead.
"I feel I played well. I felt I had to," Williams told reporters. "I feel like when you're going up against a player like that, who is confident on the court — she just had a few good matches — I knew that I needed to really play well or go home."
Cibulkova attempted to keep pace with the world No. 1 but she was overpowered by Williams, who broke again. Then, from 15-30 down, Williams reeled off three successive aces as she closed out the opening set in 28 minutes.
Cibulkova, who managed just six winners in the first set, did not fare any better in the second after dropping her serve in the opening game.
Williams broke again in the seventh game via a forehand error from Cibulkova to take a 5-2 lead. She successfully served out the match in the next game to improve her head-to-head record against the 25-year-old to 5-0.
"She was putting so much pressure from the serve and return. I didn't have a chance to play my game," Cibulkova said. "Just felt under so much pressure. It was a good day for her."
Contributing: Tom Gatto, Sportal.com.au