Serena Williams reached her 88th career final with a hard-fought straight-sets victory over Agnieszka Radwanska, winning 6-4 7-6.
The 34-year-old, who is hunting a third title at Indian Wells, won seven games in a row to turn the first set around and then put herself 3-0 up in the second.
But Radwanska rallied and forced a tie-break, only for Williams to dispatch seven straight points and book her place in the final.
World No 1 Serena Williams celebrates after reaching the 88th Tour final of her illustrious career
Williams appreciated the crowd’s support after recently returning to Indian Wells following a 14-year exile
The American legend shakes hands with Agnieszka Radwanska after beating the Pole 6-4, 7-6
‘I definitely felt like I wanted to go out there, and towards the end just really try my best to close it out,’ said Williams. ‘Even if it didn’t work out, I at least wanted to try even harder.’
‘This year has been great. It feels so great to be supported,’ said Williams who had previously boycotted the event for 14 years after being jeered by the crowd amid allegations of racial abuse in the 2001 final.
‘It’s been a great comeback here in Indian Wells. I’m excited about that.’
Williams will face Victoria Azarenka in the final after she defeated Karolina Pliskova in straights sets
“I had a lot of support, I heard a lot of ‘go Serenas’ and that was kind of cool,” added Williams, who won the tournament in 1999 and 2001.
She will meet Victoria Azarenka after the Belarusian prevailed in a three-set contest with Karolina Pliskova.
The world No 15 progressed 7-6 1-6 6-2 in just over two hours.
