WTA Finals: Venus Williams earns spot in semi-finals after beating Garbine Muguruza

Venus Williams in action against Garbine Muguruza at the WTA Finals Singapore on Oct 26, 2017. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

SINGAPORE - A repeat of this year's Wimbledon final had a different result on Thursday (Oct 26) night, as Venus Williams beat Garbine Muguruza 7-5, 6-4 to earn a spot in the final four of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

Both players struggled to hold serve, especially in the second set, but it was the American world No. 5 who strode across the finish line first, holding and breaking serve when it mattered.

Williams is the only player in the slate of eight this year who has won this event, lifting the Billie Jean King trophy in 2008.

The 37-year-old, humorous after her win, offered a cheeky answer when asked how she has stayed at the top, entering the semi-finals of the prestigious season finale 15 years after she first became world No. 1.

"Well, I use a lot of sunscreen, and I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. That's been the key to my success," she said on court shortly after her victory.

Williams joins Karolina Pliskova as the two players emerging from the White Group to the semi-finals. French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko was eliminated earlier.

Muguruza, while disappointed following the end of her season, said she is still proud of the year she has had.

"I'm very proud of this year, that's not going to change. This year has been incredible. I've improved on many things and that's what I'll take with me," she said.

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