Serena and Radwanska after the match. WTATennis Photo

Serena Williams  has qualified for the finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, beating Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-4, 7-6.

To win, Serena had to overcame  a spirited challenge from  Radwanska early today.

In stark contrast to their meeting at the same stage of this January’s Australian Open, Williams found herself In a real dogfight, responding magnificently by rattling off 11 of the final 12 points to complete a 6-4, 7-6(1) victory.

“I love tie-breakers and my whole aim is just to win the first seven points – if you do that you can’t lose,” Serena said  after the match.

No player has ever won three titles in Indian Wells, and 15 years after picking up her second Williams will go in search of the hat-trick when she takes on either Victoria Azarenka or Karolina Pliskova.

“What a career. I never expected to be here again in Indian Wells, let alone the final. It’s really unbelievable,” Serena added.

In the men’s semi-finals, Milos Raonic will meet David Goffin and Rafael Nadal will meet world number one, Novak Djokovic on Saturday night.

*with reports by WTATENNIS.com