A generational battle between two fellow Americans is scheduled to take place in the semi-final round of the ASB Classic in Auckland, as former world No. 1 Venus Williams is scheduled to face youngster Lauren Davis for a spot in the tournament final. This is the first time that these two competitors cross paths on the professional tour.

19th-ranked Venus Williams reached the semi-final round with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over her rival Elena Vesnina – a win that leveled the head-to-head score at 2-2. There was a moment of weakness for the American, as she rallied from a break down in the second set to win the next four games and the match.

“Things seemed to be going on serve, but then she had a big game for a break and another big game for a hold, and things were getting really interesting,” Williams said of the second set. “She was really picking up her level. But after that, I don’t know, the games came and then it was over.

“That’s what you have to expect every time. Nobody’s going to give it to you.”

In the final match of the day, Lauren Davis defeated Polish qualifier Urszula Radwanska 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 to set up the semi-final clash with Williams. She won 70% of her first service points and saved 8 of 12 break points to close out the match in 1 hour and 59 minutes.

This is the first time that Williams and Davis will meet on the professional tour and could prove to be a more competitive encounter that most would predict. Davis has already upset Sloane Stephens this week and will be looking for another confidence booster en route to the final.

Prediction: Venus Williams in Three Sets