US Open | Serena shocked by Pliskova ; Angelique Kerber enters final

Serena Williams wrapped up two records over the course of the US Open – the highest number of Grandslam matches won by a female player, and the highest number across both sexes surpassing even Roger Federer. However, the much-awaited record of the highest number of Grandslams will have to wait a bit – Williams was shocked by World No.11 Pliskova in straight sets today. Matched up on other numbers, the American was for once outserved as Pliskova fired in 7 aces to her 5, and the serve made the difference on the day.

Serena's lack of focus spilled on to the second set as she never looked ready to break through. At 3-3, she double-faulted, then doublefaulted again, before coming back with a first serve winner and reaching game point on an ace. However, another unforced error saw Pliskova draw par before Serena finally wrapped up the longest game of the match. That was how broad Serena swung across the spectrum on the day.

After taking a 4-3 lead in the tie-break, Serena doublefaulted again but came back to draw at 5-5. Another unforced error from Serena and to follow it all up, a doublefault on match point! And Pliskova had made her way into the final.

In the other match, Angelique Kerber made short work of former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki. Kerber took an early lead breaking Wozniacki twice to go up 4-0 in just over a quarter of an hour. At 5-1, Wozniacki managed to put up some late resistance as she went on a nine-point streak but the set was all wrapped up by then. Kerber put in the finishing touches to win it 6-4.