S. Williams def. E. Dementieva in semifinal at Wimbledon: 7(7)-6(4), 5-7, 6-8 in 2h 48m

A match for the ages (or at least this age).  Absolutely fierce competition in the first set that went to a tiebreak with Dementieva (her serve coming alive like it never has before; the rest of her game firmed up nicely also) winning it 7-4.

Serena fought back hard in the second set and she really had to because Elena was locked in; at 5-5 with with Dementieva serving Serena got a HUGE break and then, after a cliffhanger service game that went to triple deuce, Williams held and took the set.

Third set: On serve at 2-1, Serena wobbled and Elena broke for the lead (3-1).  Serena breaks back and holds and we're back on serve (3-3).  Three more holds of serve (5-4 Dementieva) and then Serena gets into trouble on her serve: 40-30 Dementieva and Serena is staring at a match point for the Russian; Serena goes to deuce twice but dodges the bullet (5-5). Elena holds.  And after a two-deuce service, Serena holds. No tiebreaker!  At 6-6 Elena is broken (7-6 Williams).  Serena serves it up for the game set match.

And again: what a match.  If ever there was a tennis contest that could have gone either way (and no, I haven't forgotten Roger and Rafa's match from last year) this was certainly one and a memorable one.  Thrilling, just thrilling!

This was not the Dementieva of old; today her movement to the ball was surprising and very efficient.  What was more surprising, and perhaps more important, was her confidence level; she certainly had the physical tools in the past but her mentality, her determination has long been suspect.  Today we saw a steely Dementieva; today she showed intense concentration which led to a consistently aggressive  (and accurate) style of play.  Elena really wanted this one and she put everything into it; she threw every bit of her ability and experience at her opponent and then some.  It was a dazzling performance from Elena.

But the ten-time champion is not easily dazzled and she knows something about steely determination also.  Well, she's in the final now (once again).  Total congratulations all around on this one.  To use an old cliche:  it really was a shame someone had to lose. 

Good summation.  Novak should start studying Serena.  Nobody can argue that Serena is not the supreme Warrior.  Loved her interview where she told em subtly that she was not going to give away strategies.  I love her ad for the TC!  She should rep toothpaste!  Although I like her warrior mentality I get a kick out of listening to her interviews.  She has always impressed me in interviews as calm and collected.  She has developed/matured beautifully.  I always get the feeling that Serena is more genuine than Venus.      all opinion

Dementieva has a solid game/mechanics and has clearly improved her serve, maybe NYC.

It was a good match!  I was thinking of Iceman, as he always touts Elena. Too bad for her. I thought the semis was an amazing result for her, considering how she flamed out of the French.  and to nearly beat Serena.

As usual, Serena has the belief she'll win. I wonder if Elena really thought she would.