Justine Henin proved too strong for Serena Williams as the top seed cruised through to the last four of the US Open.
Serena stunned by Belgian at Arthur Ashe Stadium
Top seed Justine Henin cruised through to the last four of the US Open with an impressive straight sets win over Serena Williams.
The Belgian triumphed 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 in a much more lop-sided quarter-final than had been expected at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Even though Williams, seeded fifth, had failed to fire in the early rounds, she was expected to put up a strong challenge.
Instead, the match was over in 98 minutes, Henin taking the first set on a tie-break before breezing through the second.
Unbelievable
"I was a bit concerned during the first set because I wasn't aggressive enough," said Henin. "Then from the tiebreak until the end, I played unbelievable tennis.
"I've been aggressive like the number one player in the world, just trying to dictate the points.
"I'm very happy to beat her here in this stadium, in a great atmosphere."
Two-time champion Williams was far from gracious in defeat, claiming her conqueror had got away with some 'lucky' shots.
It is the third straight Grand Slam event that Henin has knocked the American out at the quarter-final stage.
Lucky
"She made a lot of lucky shots, and I made a lot of errors," Serena said.
"I've got to go back and study and figure out how to beat her. That's it. Bottom line."
Henin's reward for her impressive victory is a match against either Serena's sister, Venus, or third seed Jelena Jankovic.
