Former double champion Venus Williams dethroned Centre Court queen and defending champion Maria Sharapova 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 on Friday to reach her fifth Wimbledon final.
The 25-year-old American, the winner in 2000 and 2001, will take on either top seeded compatriot Lindsay Davenport or Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo for the title on Saturday where she will be chasing a fifth Grand Slam title.
Davenport was leading Mauresmo 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 5-3 when rain brought a suspension until Saturday of their Court One clash.
"I have raised my game to get this far because I love this tournament," said Williams who revealed that sister Serena, who was beaten in the final by Sharapova in 2004, had passed on some pre-match tips.
"Serena sent me an e-mail telling me what to do, that I had to stay in the game and play my best. I took it to heart.
"It's my fifth final. I have a good record here and everything is falling into place."
It was Williams's first win in three meetings with Sharapova and the Russian 18-year-old admitted she was heartbroken by the defeat.
"It's very sad because this tournament means so much to me," said Sharapova who was close to tears at her post-match news conference.
{{/usCountry}}"It's very sad because this tournament means so much to me," said Sharapova who was close to tears at her post-match news conference.
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