Playing a semifinal match that was originally scheduled for Thursday night, but delayed by rain, Serena Williams’s superb summer came to a stunning end, two wins shy of completing the first calendar Grand Slam since 1988. Surprise semifinalist Roberta Vinci prevailed, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Vinci came into the match as a serious underdog. The 32-year-old Italian had not played a top-10 seed in the fortnight, and had never beaten Williams – or even taken a set – in four previous meetings. A doubles specialist, this was her first grand slam singles semifinal. Even she hadn't thought she had a shot to beat the world's No. 1, she admitted to the crowd after the match. 

“This is an incredible moment for me. It’s like a dream. I’m in the final. I beat Serena," she said on court after the win.

Vinci's initial expectations seemed to be accurate as Williams dominated the first set. Vinci earned an early break to lead 2-1, but Williams took the break right back, then smashed a huge winner to force break point at 3-2. She quickly converted, then converted again at 5-2 to take the set.  

Williams faltered slightly to open the second set, double faulting to let Vinci build a 0-40 advantage, but battled all the way back to hold serve. It looked like she was in control. And the fans were completely in her corner. 

Williams had said earlier in the week that she isn’t accustomed to being the fan favorite in New York, that the crowd usually likes to cheer on the underdog. But on Friday, everyone wanted to see a piece of history. They gasped when Vinci broke her to go up in the second set, then sounded pained when Vinci, against all odds, forced a third set. Vinci celebrated that set as though she’d won the match.