Serena Williams battles into Cincinnati Masters finals

Serena Williams moved into the final of the Cincinnati Masters after a battling display against Elina Svitolina.

The top seed, who is on course for a calendar grand slam, had to recover from a break down and 34 unforced errors to beat the 14th seed 6-4 6-3.

She’ll defend her title against world number three Simona Halep in Sunday’s showpiece.

Serena Williams lost to 18-year-old Belinda Bencic at the semi-final stage in Toronto last week.

She was out to avoid a similar upset to another youngster Elina Svitolina this time around in Cincinnati.

It started in a way we’ve come to expect from Serena – gifting her Ukrainian opponent an early break. The top seed was back level soon after though

Svitolina reached a career-high ranking of world number 15 last week and was showing some of the form that has taken her there

But she couldn’t keep it up for the full set. Williams brutally dispatching the 20-year-old’s serve in game ten.

Set two saw more of the same from the world number one although Svitolina gave as good as she got.

The American took a break point midway through the set though, and it was looking ominous.

An ace completed straight sets win for Williams avoiding another shock exit.