It's almost as if everyone else is being made to hurry up because Williams is in a rush. Already back out for the second set, the right-hand of the court the only part in sunshine, Makarova is instantly under pressure. Long, long, wide. Three break points.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows

"As Flushing Meadows comes to terms with the unexpected end to the first semi-final, Serena Williams has set about the second with every intention of making it a drama-free zone.

"With her forehand firing on all cylinders, the American has raced through the first set. Williams required treatment to her right foot during the doubles defeat earlier in the week, and although there has been so sign of a recurrence, she is clearly keen to make this as swift as possible."

Image source, AP

That'll do. Makarova is feeling the full force of a New York wind called Hurricane Serena. Only 26 minutes for Williams to move halfway to the US Open final. It's hard to see how the second set will follow a different course.

Image source, Reuters

Bounce ball. Throw ball. Hit ball very hard. Repeat. The Williams mantra. Makarova, the cannon fodder, does all she can to return fire, but a stand-and-deliver backhand brings up two set points. Awesome.

Jill Craybas
Former WTA Tour professional on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Makarova is not serving well. She needs to get her first serve percentage up because Serena is getting too many second serves and she's taking advantage."

From here, it's got the potential to get messy. Makarova is being pushed into submission by the grenades being lobbed from the other side of the net. The Russian is struggling to keep the ball in the court, but it's because of the Serena onslaught. Two break points, one saved when Williams nets. No mistake second time round, though. Makarova long, Williams serving for the set.

Williams is a light-footed battering ram, asking Makarova to scamper all over. Sister Venus looks on as Williams, impressive mane tied back, errs for 30-30. A chink for Makarova? A little, aided by a Williams double that takes us to 40-40. Happy, Serena? Maybe not, but the chuntering at her chair is at least on the back of two forehand winners for a 4-1 lead.

An exchange between Williams and the umpire results in an unsuccessful Williams challenge, but that is forgotten when Makarova goes long. Williams breaks. Ominous.

Image source, Getty Images

Williams, a decade and a half on from her first US crown, wiggles as she waits for the Makarova serve in very strong winds. Makarova, serving with the wind for the first time, goes long and then nets, before a Williams forehand from an impossible angle opens up 15-40 and two break points.

Image source, Getty Images

It's been said that Makarova has a look of Steffi Graf. I'm not sure I see it, other than she is tall and blonde. The Russian is looking to delay Williams, who is into the groove of belting the forehand and now a first ace of the match. One more groundshaking forehand sends us to the chairs.

Chants of support for Makarova as she switches ends, serving from beneath a white visor. Williams, pink leopard print, sways from side to side, and is on the receiving end of some Russian hitting before she batters a forehand return. 40-30, but the Williams forehand for once lets her down to get Makarova on the board.

Image source, Getty Images

Ekaterina, meet Serena's forehand. You may be well acquainted before this day is done. Makarova, the leftie, at least serves notice of what she is capable of with a double-handed backhand winner, but it's a comfortable hold for Williams.

"Time," is the call from the chair, with Williams biffing down one more serve before returning to her chair for a stripping of the jacket. Makarova reties her laces and towels down before heading off to the far end, where the wind will be behind her. Williams will serve.

The players are on court, Makarova in Wimbledon white and Williams in a black jacket over a pink dress. You read that right, a jacket. As if we're at a black-tie event.

I'm glad you mentioned the doubles, Serena, because they provide Makarova with a little encouragement. With her partner Elena Vesnina, Makarova brushed aside Serena and sister Venus in the quarter-finals of the women's doubles in straight sets.

Perhaps, but Williams hasn't had the best of years at the Slams - the fourth round at the Australian Open her best performance.

Not that she's worried.

"It's so easy now because it's almost a joke for me because I have done little to no winning in the majors," she said. "And I thought, 'Take it as a joke. Oh my God, I'm past the fourth round. Woo'. I'd better play doubles just in case I don't make it past the second round. At least I have a back-up plan."

Does Serena Williams need an introduction? 17 Grand Slams, five US Opens, the defending champion, no sets dropped on the way to a meeting with the 17th-seeded Russian Ekaterina Makarova, who has never before reached a semi-final at the majors.

No contest?

After that drama it's now time to turn our focus to the second semi-final and coming up next Serena Williams, the defending champion, takes on Ekaterina Makarova. Wonder if they are aware of what's been going on?

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

Image source, EPA

"It's distressing to see players in such physical discomfort and it would have been sensible, if it's in the rules, for someone to have stopped the match. I think tennis need to look at that."

Jeff Tarango
Former professional tennis player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"You feel like it's not a victory but Caroline did everything she had to do to win the match. It was really sad to watch and you never want to see someone go out like that."