Venus into Wimbledon final

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Venus Williams moved to within one match of a fifth Wimbledon singles title after beating Russia's Elena Dementieva in straight sets in the semi-finals on Thursday.

The defending champion won 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) to set up a potential final date with her sister Serena, who faced Chinese wildcard Zheng Jie in the second semi-final at the All England Club.

Having steamrollered her opponent in the opening set, the elder of the Williams sisters was given a tough workout in what was a slugfest second, but she always looked to have a little in reserve against an opponent making her first appearance in Wimbledon's last four.

"She is a similar player to me with a lot of power so I knew I'd have to do what we both do a little better," Williams said.

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