Williams' joy at progress

American too strong for Safina in wind-affected semi

Last updated: 6th September 2008

Serena Williams Dinara Safina handshakes

Williams: Defeated Safina

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Serena Williams expressed her delight at becoming the first American to reach the women's US Open final in six years.

The fourth-seed beat Russian Dinara Safina 6-3 6-2 in a windblown contest at Flushing Meadows on Friday to progress.

She will now play Jelena Jankovic in the final, which is being shown live on Sky Sports 1 from 1am on Sunday.

The contest has added spice as the World Number One ranking will also go to the winner.

"It's so awesome," said the eight-times grand slam winner after her service winner clinched victory against sixth-seed Safina.

Happy

"I'm just happy to be finally back in the finals," added Williams, whose 2002 title match against her sister Venus marked the last time the women's final featured an American.

"For once, an American back in the finals here so I'm really excited."

Williams won through as she dealt best with the blustery winds that blew groundstrokes wide and long, and played havoc with serve tosses.

Safina broke Williams in the opening game of the match but soon became frustrated with the gusting winds.

She gave the break back in the fourth game and was broken again in the eighth game on four errors to trail 5-3.

Hate

The Russian shrieked after mis-hits flew off her racket and at one point yelled: "I hate this wind!"

The second set started with three service breaks with the American emerging 2-1 ahead.

She then eased back, satisfied to keep balls in play and wait for Safina to make mistakes in the difficult conditions, with the American making just 21 unforced errors to the Russian's 41.

"I thought, okay, if it's so windy then I'm not going to go for so many winners and stay out here and do what I can," said Williams, who broke Safina again in the fifth game on her way to victory.

She is now looking forward to playing second-seed Jankovic, who defeated Olympic champion Elena Dementieva of Russia 6-4 6-4 to advance to her first grand slam final.

"I think she's playing really well and she's just having so much fun," Williams said.

"She has nothing to lose and neither do I."