Serena wins epic semifinal
Serena Williams beat Elena Dementieva in the longest women’s semifinal in Wimbledon history on Thursday, saving match point late in the third set before grinding out a 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 8-6 victory.
The match provided a welcome contrast to the second semifinal, that saw Dinara Safina win just one game as she was soundly thumped by Venus Williams.
In a contest that nearly ran to three hours Williams and Dementieva traded blows for much of the match without either player gaining the upper hand.
Williams was first on the ropes, but saved match point with the score on 4-5 in the final set. The American then proceeded to wear her opponent down before securing her 8th Wimbledon final appearance.
"It was really tough. Elena has been playing so well," Serena said after the match. "At match point I just thought it's my serve, just stay calm and think positive."
Dementieva was left ruing the conservative play that saw her squander match point.
"That's my only regret. I should have taken more of a risk by going down the line," said the Russian Olympic gold medalist.
