SuggestedLeadIn: Serena Williams books a Cincinnati Open final match against Simona Halep after respective defeats of Elina Svitolina and Jelena Janković.

Script: World number one Serena Williams booked her place in the final of the Cincinnati Open after completing a 6-4 6-3 victory over Elina Svitolina.

The 14th seed broke Williams' serve early in the opening set but the Ukrainian couldn't capitalize on the American's eight double-faults.

In the second, two straight backhand winners allowed Williams to break Svitolina's serve and move 3-1 up before sealing victory.

SOUNDBITE (English) Serena Williams, world number one:

Question: How important is it to win the Cincinnati final going into the U.S. Open?

"Well, look at it this way, last time I lost in Cincinnati and won the Open, and last time I won Cincinnati I won the Open, so I think either way - hopefully - I'll be ok."

The 33-year-old is aiming to complete a calendar Grand Slam at the US Open later this month.

The defending champion will face third seed Simona Halep, who thrashed former world number one Jelena Jankovic 6-1 6-2 in the late semi-final.

The triumph securing second seeding behind Williams at the final major of the year.