AGENCIES: Serena Williams underlined her tag as the favorite for the US Open with a brutal quarter-final win over China’s Wang Qiang in just 44 minutes.

The 37-year-old American broke serve five times and hit 25 winners as she eased to a 6-1 6-0 win over the 18th seed on Arthur Ashe Stadium

Williams, seeded eighth, is chasing a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

She will face Ukraine’s fifth seed Elina Svitolina, who beat Britain’s Johanna Konta, in the semi-finals.

“When I play someone who is playing well I have to step up or go home and I’m not ready to go,” said Williams, who earned her 100th singles win at the US Open.

“I knew I needed to come out tonight and play well. I’m feeling good, had a really tough year and I’m still here.

“Physically I’m feeling great and more importantly I’m having fun every time I come out here.”