Serena Williams Makes br US Open Semi-Finals Serena Williams overcame br Karolina Pliskova to reach br the U.S. Open semi-finals br for the ninth consecutive time. Serena Williams, via BBC Williams, 36, is br only on her eighth tournament since becoming a mother last September but is seeking her br first Grand br Slam trophy. Serena Williams, via BBC Despite being seeded 17th, br Williams still holds the respect br of her fellow athletes, including Pliskova. Karolina Pliskova, via BBC Williams will face Lativa's br Anastasija Sevastova in br the last four on Thursday.