Serena Williams says US women’s national team have inspired her at Wimbledon

The seven-time champion booked her place in the semi-finals with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Alison Riske on Centre Court

Serena Williams claims the US Women’s National Team have inspired her at Wimbledon after winning the World Cup.

Williams punched her ticket to the semi-finals at SW19 with a three-set victory (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) over Alison Riske on Centre Court on Tuesday.

And the 37-year-old was asked about the impact the USWNT have had on her after their victory over the Netherlands on Sunday to retain the trophy.

“I was super excited for the US women to win and they’re amazing,” Williams said. “It’s so good to see, they’ve had the whole nation cheering them on wherever you are.

“I’m inspired by what they stand for. Taking a stand for being paid to be what they are: world champions. I’m really inspired by the team.”

Williams was forced to dig deep against Riske and could be seen reading notes from her bag between games, which she admits was a key part of her maintaining focus.

“The notes are for keeping focused on the match,” Williams revealed. “I’ve been looking at notes for decades, when I need them or need an extra something.

“I read them and try to stay focused. They’re messages I write myself.”

During a pivotal third set, Williams rearranged her hair after the wind caused it to distract her throughout the game and labelled the style the “business bun”.

“Today it was in my way in the wind, I missed a shot because it was in my face,” Williams added. “So I put the business bun up and got to business.

Williams edged past Riske in the Wimbledon quarter-finals (Getty) (Getty Images)

“I just needed to fight, Alison played great throughout the whole tournament, against players that have had great years.

“She was not giving it to me. I had to step up and take it.”