Serena Williams thumps Elina Svitolina to reach Cincinnati Open final

Serena Williams has maintained her push for a second straight Cincinnati Open title after beating Elina Svitolina in straight sets to reach the final.

The world number one beat the 14th seed 6-4 6-3 in just under 90 minutes to reach her third successive final in Ohio.

Svitolina gave rise to suggestions of an upset by breaking the Williams serve in the opening game en route to a 3-1 lead, but the American broke back in the sixth to square up the first set at 3-3.

After moving 5-4 ahead, Williams, who beat Ana Ivanovic in last year's final, then pulled out another break to clinch the opening set.

She seemed to be cruising toward another showpiece after breaking Svitolina's serve to establish a 3-1 lead in the second set, and again in the sixth game to move 4-2 up.

From there, Williams closed out a comfortable win and will now prepare to face Simona Halep in the showdown tomorrow.