Williams, Dementieva set for Rogers Cup rematch

Fans that enjoyed the last Serena Williams-Elena Dementieva showdown will be treated to a second helping – this time, on the hardcourt.
Williams and Dementieva both won their quarter-final matches Friday at the $2-million (U.S.) Rogers Cup, setting up a rematch of their memorable showdown at Wimbledon in July. Williams won that three-set marathon 6-7 (4), 7-5, 8-6 in a match that took nearly three hours to play.
Williams, who went on to capture the Wimbledon title, is expecting a similar challenge in Saturday's semifinal.
"I think it'll be a great match," said Williams. "She is obviously a great player, and our last match was really insane. I love playing her."
Dementieva remembers the match fondly – and hopes a chance in surface will help her exact some revenge.

Venus or Serena Williams for US Open title?

Will Venus Williams' surprisingly poor post-Wimbledon performances damage her prospects at the U.S., which begins Aug. 31? Probably a lot more so than for her sister, Serena, who seems be able to turn the victory spigot on and off at her pleasure.

Venus last won the U.S. Open in 2001, a year in which she played 11 matches leading up the final Slam in New York, winning 10 and gaining titles at San Diego and New Haven. She had heavy momentum going into the that Open, where she took down her sister in the final. A year later she was undefeated in 13 post-Wimbledon matches and reached the final at the Open, where she lost to Serena. Again, a lot of play, a lot of match toughness and a strong Open.