Top seed Serena Williams dug herself out of trouble against fellow American Jennifer Capriati on Centre Court this afternoon, winning 2-6 6-2 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the third time in the last four years.
Capriati was the last player to beat Serena at Wimbledon -- at the same stage in 2001 -- and a repeat looked on the cards when she romped through the first set in 27 minutes against a strangely wayward Serena.
But the defending champion suddenly clicked into gear and after she broke serve with a bludgeoning backhand to lead 3-2 in the second set, the tide began to turn. She raced through the next six games to lead 3-0 in the decider and, although eighth seed Capriati hung on gamely -- winning one incredible 31-stroke rally when serving to stay in the match -- Serena proved unstoppable.
In a thrilling final game with both players at the peak of their powers, Capriati carved out two break points, netting a forehand on one and being passed on the other. Serena then clinched victory in one hour 39 minutes as Capriati dragged a forehand into the net with her opponent stranded out of position.
Reuters