As happened 5 times in the last 8 years, Serena Williams will appear in the Wimbledon Final as she goes up against Vera Zvonareva.
World No. 1, 28-year-old Serena of the USA earned her berth in the Final by defeating unseeded but determined 19-year-old Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. Petra pushed Serena from the start, going up a break in the 1st set. Serena was able to break back and take the 1st set to a tie-break, which she won 7-5. The 2nd set was much closer than the score reflects with many deuce games. But Serena proved to be the tougher one in the end.
In the other Semifinal, No. 21 seed, Vera of Russia gained her place in the final for the 1st time in her career by defeating unseeded No. 82 ranked Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Tsvetana came out strong, using a slice forehand and change of pace to keep Vera off-balance and easily took the first set. Vera made adjustments and was able to take away Tsvetana’s game to win the final two sets.
Serena has won the Wimbledon Championship three times in her career. This is the 1st time 25-year-old Vera has made it past the 4th round at Wimbledon. Serena leads Vera 5-1 in career matches, and has won the last two times they have played. Serena has the experience advantage, while Vera has a 3-year age advantage. Serena has yet to drop a set in this tournament, although she was pushed to tie-breaks twice. Vera lost the first set in her last two matches, but came back to win the match in each case. It should be an exciting Final.
