For Serena Williams, history will have to wait.
Williams' quest for an Open era record 23rd major title was stopped dead in its tracks by Karolina Pliskova, who defeated Williams, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) in the U.S. Open semifinals on Thursday night.
Pliskova, who defeated Venus Williams earlier in the tournament, became only the third woman to beat both Williams sisters at the U.S. Open.
Pliskova came out on a mission, dominating the first set to win, 6-2, in just 26 minutes.
The 24-year-old from the Czech Republic is the WTA leader in aces, and her serve was dialed in on Thursday, and Williams looked off from the beginning of the match.