Serena survives semi scare (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Serena survives semi scare

4:51pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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Serena Williams fought back from the brink of a shock defeat to stay on course for a third Wimbledon title with victory over Elena Dementieva in the longest women's semi-final in history.

The 27-year-old American was forced to produce all her battling qualities to overcome a spirited Dementieva, who produced a brilliant performance but still bowed out at the last-four stage for the second year in a row.

Williams saved a match point in the second set before forcing a decider and winning 6-7 (7/4) 7-5 8-6 in an epic duel on Centre Court that lasted 12 minutes short of three hours.

"It was really tough," Williams said. "She's been playing so well and has won a lot of matches against me in the past.

"I was not on my best game but my family were so positive. Elena played so well and we gave the crowd a wonderful match."