Jankovic, Serena set for final showdown

TENNIS: NEW YORK, Sept 6 - World No. 2 Jelena Jankovic advanced to her first Grand Slam final by defeating Elena Dementieva 6-4, 6-4 at the US Open on Saturday, setting up a showdown with two-time winner Serena Williams.

"I have tears in my eyes," said an emotional Jankovic. "I have played in five semi-finals and to be in the final for first time in a Grand Slam is unbelievable. I'm thrilled."

Jankovic had to rally in both sets of the semi-final on a windy Friday afternoon in front of a crowd of 22,892 at the main Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Eight time Grand Slam winner Williams reached her first US Open final in six years, storming past Russian Dinara Safina 6-3, 6-2 in just 88 minutes.

"I am finally back in the finals," Williams said. "An American back in the finals. I am really excited."

The final is scheduled for Saturday night but weather forecasters are predicting rain all day as the remnants of tropical storm Hanna move through the New York area. If that happens the final will be moved to Sunday night.

Not only will Jankovic and Williams be gunning for the 1.5 million dollars in first place prize money, but the winner will also surpass Serbian Ana Ivanovic as world number one.

Jankovic finished off her semi-final by breaking Dementieva for the fifth time in the set, winning it on the second match point when the Russian hit the final ball long.

"It was windy but I really tried to fight," said Jankovic.

Jankovic said she had to adjust to hitting into a headwind.

Tough conditions "It was hard for both of us. Especially from one side the wind was very strong. You keep hitting as hard as you can and the ball doesn't go anywhere.

"From the other side you hit the ball and it flies. It was tough but it was the same conditions for both players." Serbia's Jankovic won 63 percent of her first serve points and made just 22 unforced errors in the one hour, 34 minute match.