Williams wallops Wozniacki, to play Stosur in final
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}By Larry Fine
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Serena Williams demolished world number one Caroline Wozniacki 6-2 6-4 in Saturday's semi-finals to move within a victory of a storybook finish at Flushing Meadows.
Williams, who played only five tournaments this year before the season's last grand slam due to injuries and a life-threatening blood clot on her lungs, will play Australian Sam Stosur in Sunday's final after a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 29-year-old Williams, seeded 28th after sliding down the rankings while on the sidelines, thoroughly dominated the top-seeded Dane.
The three-time U.S. Open champion and winner of 13 grand slam crowns belted 15 winners to Wozniacki's zero in the opening set, and finished the match with 34 outright winners to a meager five for her 21-year-old opponent.
Serving for the match at 5-3, Williams wobbled with two careless groundstroke errors and two double-faults to allow Wozniacki to bring the set back on serve.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The American made amends in the next game, however, sealing the match when the Dane put a backhand into the net, sparking a jumping and twirling celebration.
"It's so great. I'm so happy, especially with 9-11," Williams told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. "It really meant a lot for me to come out here as an American and to still be in the tournament.
"I really want to play tomorrow on such a special day for the United States, so I'm really excited."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Williams said battling back from her injuries and illness made this championship advance even more meaningful to her.
"It's been such an arduous long road. I can't believe it. I really can't," she said.
(Editing by Ian Ransom)