WIMBLEDON, England (AP) One of the Wimbledon semifinalists has won 23 major titles. The other three women playing Thursday have combined to win one.
If experience and accomplishments count for anything, Serena Williams has the clear advantage.
I definitely feel a lot more pressure as I got older, Williams said after beating Alison Riske in three sets in the quarterfinals, then clarifying just how much experience she actually has. Now that I am past older, I feel a little bit less pressure.
The 37-year-old Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, will be playing in the semifinals at the All England Club for the 12th time. Overall, she has reached the last four at 37 major tournaments, putting her in a tie with Steffi Graf for third most in the professional era.
Contrast that with her three remaining rivals. Barbora Strycova, Williams opponent on Thursday, will be playing in first major semifinal in her 53rd Grand Slam tournament, while Elina Svitolina will also be making her debut at this stage. Only former No. 1 Simona Halep has been a Grand Slam champion, winning last years French Open, and will be playing in her seventh major semifinal.
It was always my dream. Always, to play good at this tournament was my dream, said the 33-year-old Strycova, a Czech player who has been talking about retiring this year. Its happening at this age right now. Its incredible.
Despite her less-illustrious list of achievements, Strycova is ready for the challenge of playing one of the greatest tennis players in history.
