Serena Williams bravely fought back from the brink of defeat to beat Maria Sharapova in a thrilling Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne.
Sharapova twice served for the match on Rod Laver Arena, on the second occasion Williams saving three match points.
The 2003 champion then broke Sharapova's serve in the 14th game of an epic 66-minute final set to claim a 2-6 7-5 8-6 victory in two hours 39 minutes.
"It definitely lived up to everyone's expectations and it was a lot of fun. I am really happy to get through," said an ecstatic Williams, without a Grand Slam title since Wimbledon 2003.
"I am so excited to be in another final, it has been such a tough 12 months for me. I want to thank everyone for supporting me."
Williams will face world number one Lindsay Davenport in Saturday's final after the American finally overcame Nathalie Dechy 2-6 7-6 6-4.
"It's been a long two days," admitted Davenport, who will have played on four straight days by the time of the final.
"It was not my greatest day playing tennis but I was able to pull through. Again I think I was a bit lucky but I will take it."
AP