Victoria Azarenka

Facing her only test of the past two weeks, No. 1-seed Serena Williams overcame No. 2 Victoria Azarenka 7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-1 on Sunday for the U.S. Open championship, her 17th Grand Slam title.

At the end, and only at the very end, did Serena Williams face anything resembling a challenge in her U.S. Open semifinal.

Just like that, in a span of 15 days, Rafael Nadal went from French Open champion for a record eighth time to first-round Grand Slam loser for the only time in his career. Limping occasionally and slower than usual, but unwilling afterward to blame an old left knee injury, the two-time Wimbledon winner exited 7-6 (4), 7-6 (8), 6-4 Monday against 135th-ranked Steve Darcis of Belgium -- one of the most stunning results ever at the All England Club.

Ekaterina Makarova of Russia upset top-ranked Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 Wednesday to reach the third round of the Madrid Open.

MELBOURNE, Australia - Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams are in the same half of the draw at the Australian Open, setting up the possibility of a semifinal match between the defending champion and the title favorite.