Serena Williams vs. Ekaterina Makarova: US Open 2014 Women's Semifinal Recap

After a frustrating Grand Slam season for Serena Williams, the No. 1 women's player in the world is finally back where she belongs. The reigning U.S. Open champion trounced No. 17 Ekaterina Makarova, 6-1, 6-3, to reach her first Grand Slam final of the 2014 season against the revitalized Caroline Wozniacki.

The WTA noted the triumph for Williams following the match:

Williams came into the match with confidence after rolling into the semifinals without dropping a set. While Makarova looked dominant in the rounds leading up to the match, she was clearly no contest for the five-time U.S. Open champion.

The latest showing marks her fourth straight U.S. Open finals appearance, via ESPN Tennis:

"

.@serenawilliams is back in the @usopen Final for the 4th year in a row with a quick 61 63 win over Makarova. pic.twitter.com/kYqM7Rxspo

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 5, 2014"

Prior to the match, Williams spoke about her attitude heading into the semifinals, per Douglas Robson of USA Today:

"It's so easy now because it's almost a joke for me because I have done little to no winning in the majors," Williams said. "I think that definitely has been able to help me to relax, as well."

She definitely looked relaxed against Makarova on Friday.

Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Early on, Williams was on fire. Makarova did hold her first service game, but it wasn't a comfortable hold, as Williams challenged her on several long points.

Williams broke Makarova to go up 3-1, and it was nearly all Williams exerting her dominance from there.  The New York Times contributing writer Ben Rothenberg commented on Williams' early play in the first set:

Williams did nearly everything right during the match, including using her speed to cover the court. But one of the best parts of her game was her crushing serve.

By the end of the match, Williams registered a total of five aces, compared to just one from Makarova. The American broke Makarova's serve five times, while the Russian managed just one service break.

U.S. Open Tennis provides a look at one of those serves:

The speed of play and blistering serve were clearly too much for Makarova early on in the second set as well. Williams jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the final set before Makarova rallied back to make it tight.

Before clawing her way back, BBC Tennis referenced the struggles for Makarova:

Ralph D. Russo of The Associated Press made a comparison to Williams' overpowering play:

The Russian player would eventually make up some headway in the second set to lengthen the match but was not able to completely come back.

In fact, the pace that Williams played with left some fans asking her to slow down, per Rothenberg:

Though Makarova leaves with a disappointing verdict, she comes away from the U.S. Open accomplishing a new goal in her career, having previously never reached a semifinal in a Grand Slam singles tournament.

As for Williams, the next step is meeting Wozniacki in the finals. Williams holds an 8-1 record over Wozniacki in her career, including a straight-sets victory in the 2011 U.S. Open semifinals.

With her 18th Grand Slam in sight, it appears nothing can stop Williams. But after proving her resurgence already throughout the tournament, Wozniacki might be a tough test for the two-time defending champion.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.