French Open: Serena Williams overpowers Errani

SERENA Williams has no qualms about keeping people waiting. But, if others want the queen of tennis to play the waiting game, they can think again.

The world No 1 was in no mood to dally on Philippe Chatrier Court yesterday as she unleashed all her firepower to wallop Sara Errani 6-0 6-1 to reach the French Open final for the first time since 2002.

She blitzed last year’s runner-up in 46 spellbinding minutes to complete the most one-sided semi-final win at the claycourt grand slam since compatriot Chris Evert whitewashed Camille Benjamin 6-0 6-0 back in 1984.

Williams appeared to be in a world of her own as she kept Errani hanging around at the net for the coin toss while she very slowly peeled off the dark grey jogging bottoms she wore under her dress and meticulously folded them together.

When Williams finally did turn her attention to the Italian, she made short work of her startled opponent.

The American, who owns only one Suzanne Lenglen Cup among her 15 grand slam trophies, left the fifth seed down and out after producing 40 screaming winners to set up a showdown with defending champion Maria Sharapova. Errani won only 16 points in the entire match and did not even manage to muster an outright winner from her racket until the 10th game of the contest.

A shell-shocked Errani repeatedly used just one word to describe her opponent’s performance. “She played unbelievable. That’s it,” said Errani.

“What she did today is unbelievable. She’s an unbelievable player.”

Williams agreed: “Sometimes I’m surprised. I’m like, Is that me?”