Instead of counting Serena Williams out at Wimbledon, it was much easier to count her aces.

About a month after losing in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career, Williams hit a tournament-record 24 aces Thursday to reach her seventh Wimbledon final.

"I honestly didn't feel great on my serve today. I really didn't," Williams said after beating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-3, 7-6 (6) on Centre Court. "I thought my serve was off, and apparently clearly it wasn't, so maybe I should be off a little more."

Williams has won 13 Grand Slam titles, with the last one coming at the All England Club two years ago. Shortly after that victory, Williams cut her feet on glass at a restaurant, leading to a series of health problems, including being hospitalized for clots in her lungs.

"I have so much appreciation for every moment on the court," Williams said. "I really take pride in playing, especially playing such big, amazing tournaments like this."