Serena Williams overcomes Li Na at Sony Open – advances to semis

Serena Williams in action against Li Na at Sony Open. PHOTO/Alan Diaz/AP

Five-time champion Serena Williams advanced Tuesday to the Sony Open semifinals and tied the women’s record for career victories in the tournament by beating No. 5-seeded Li Na 6-3, 7-6 (5).

The top-ranked Williams overcame six double-faults and rallied in the second set from a 5-2 deficit. She hit six winners in the tiebreaker, including a forehand passing shot cross-court on the final point.

Williams, who won her most recent Key Biscayne title in 2008, improved to 59-7 in the tournament.

“I hope to get more,” Williams said. Williams and Li both struggled with their second serve.

Li had seven double-faults, with three giving Williams her only break points. In the tiebreaker, Williams didn’t need a second serve. She hit consecutive service winners for a 4-3 lead, then two more to go up 6-5.

When Williams smacked a winner on match point she jumped for joy cannonball-style, knees high and fist raised.

Williams, who is assured of remaining No. 1 next week, will play Thursday against the winner of the quarterfinal Tuesday night between defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska and No. 30-seeded Kirsten Flipkens.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press