Serena Williams happy to copy Roger Federer tactic in US Open final vs Naomi Osaka
SERENA WILLIAMS says she has been working on using Roger Federer’s famous SABR tactic - and could continue to unleash it in the US Open final.
Williams comfortably beat Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-0 in their semi-final showdown this morning.
But during the clash, the 23-time Grand Slam winner occasionally rushed to the net during her opponents serve.
The tactic is one invented by Federer during the American hard-court season in 2015 and is labelled the SABR - which stands for Secret Attack By Roger.
The move comes with a high degree of risk by attempting to put the server on the defensive by half-volleying the return just outside of the service box.
And Williams has proved successful in her trial attempts so far and could continue to play ultra-aggressive against Osaka on Saturday.
“I’ve been practicing that,” Williams admitted.
“I think it just depends. This particular player I felt like I needed to come in more.
“For me, I need to maybe do little things different for each player.
“I felt like I've lost a lot of matches against players like this. Not a lot, but I've lost some.
“I want to see what I can do better to win matches against players that get a lot of balls back. Keep trying to improve.”
Williams is hoping to win her 24th Grand Slam which would take her level with the all-time record holder Margaret Court.
And the 36-year-old got emotional on court when booking her place in the final.
“I got a little emotional out there because last year I was literally fighting for my life in the hospital,” she added.
“I think I was on my fourth surgery by now. What is today? I was on my third surgery. I had one more to go still.
“To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything, now only a year later, I'm not training, but I'm actually in these finals, in two in a row.
“Like I said, this is the beginning. I'm not there yet. I'm on the climb still.
“I just feel like not only is my future bright, even though I'm not a spring chicken, but I still have a very, very bright future (laughter).
“That is super exciting for me.”