Top seed Justine Henin outclassed fifth seeded Serena Williams to secure a US Open semi-final berth after recording a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 victory at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match was not nearly as competitive as one would expect from the top two active women with the most Grand Slam titles as Henin pushed around the usually intimidating Williams.
Henin was in top form from the start, sending a message by easily breaking Williams in the first game and then holding serve for an early 2-0 edge.
Williams missed out on two break chances in the sixth game, failing to get back on serve. Trailing 5-4, Williams finally converted a break point, her only one of the match, to stay in the set by ripping through a backhand.
Henin used a mini-break, followed by an ace to take control of the ensuing tiebreak before the Belgian clinched the 61 minute first set when Williams sent a forehand directly into the net.
The second set was more of the same Henin dominance, only in half the time.
Williams, a two-time US Open champion in 1999 and 2002, had her first break point opportunity of the second set in game five, but once again could not cash in, allowing her Belgian counterpart to ease her way to victory.
Henin will face either 12th seed Venus Williams, the lone American remaining in the women's draw, or third seeded Serbian Jelena Jankovic for a place in the final.
'I just think she played better, she made a lot of lucky shots,' said a disgruntled Williams.
Williams may have called it luck, but domination would have been a more accurate description for Henin's aggressive play.
'I've been aggressive like the number one player in the world, just trying to dictate points,' said Henin.
'I played unbelievable tennis from the tiebreak until the end. I'm very happy to beat her here in such a great atmosphere. It means a lot to me.'
