World number one Serena Williams came from a break down in the opening set to produce a patchy 6-4, 6-3 win Saturday over Elina Svitolina to reach the WTA final in Cincinnati. The top seed was far from efficient in the semi-final, appearing to lose her way on some shots, before squeezing through for a chance at a second consecutive Cincinnati title.
In Sunday's final she will face Romanian third seed Simona Halep, who crushed former champion Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 6-1, 6-2.
Halep will also return to number two in the world behind Williams as a result of her win and will take the second seeding at the US Open starting in nine days. The 33-year-old Williams - who will be trying to secure a rare calendar Grand Slam when the US Open begins on August 31 - blamed her stuttering form on an elbow injury she has had for several months.
"I haven't served much since the French Open because I've had an elbow problem," Williams said. "Even before the French I didn't serve much until the day before the tournament started. "I've been dealing with that for a long time. I'll get through regardless.
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