Young Russians battle American veterans

Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova will square off against two American veterans in the semi-finals at US Open.

Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova will square off against two American veterans in the semi-finals as the young Russians continue to sparkle at the 17.8 million dollar US Open.

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Sixth seed Dementieva takes on three-time Grand Slam winner Jennifer Capriati and ninth seed Kuznetsova meets the hottest player on the WTA Tour Lindsay Davenport for a spot in Saturday's final.

Dementieva is trying to become the third different Russian woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final this year but first she must get past Capriati who will be out to put last year's crushing semi-final loss behind her.

"I have played her a couple of time and lost them all," Dementieva said. "She just beat Serena (Williams) so she's in great shape."

Heading into the US Open there were 15 Russian women ranked in the top 100 of the world and five in the top 10.

Six other Russian women were seeded in the draw besides Dementieva and Kuznetsova, including No. 4 Anastasia Myskina and No. 7 Maria Sharapova who both exited early.

Kuznetsova was just eight years old when Davenport made her pro debut in 1993. Since then Davenport has won 44 singles titles and two Grand Slams.