Dementieva''s double faults a cause for concern

By Padraic Halpin

LONDON (Reuters) - Fourth seed Elena Dementieva handed Italy''s Francesca Schiavone a tennis lesson Tuesday, but it will be the Russian''s masterclass in double faulting that will most encourage semi-final opponent Serena Williams.

The Olympic champion took little over an hour to cruise through 6-2 6-2 and reach the last four at Wimbledon for the second year in succession, but averaged over a double fault per service game in the process.

Dementieva''s nine doubles in an otherwise commanding performance brought her championship total to 35 and left the twice grand slam finalist in little doubt as to where improvement is needed.

"Against Serena, it''s gonna be tough if I''m not gonna be able to put my first serve in because she''s gonna take advantage of the short ball," Dementieva, who has now reached three of the last four slam semis, told a news conference.

"For me, the key for the match will be to play deep enough and try to put my first serve in, make sure that she''s not going into the shots from the beginning."

The Russian had too much variety and strength at the back of the court for the former world number 11 and one-time Fed Cup winner Schiavone, who sunk fast in the uncharted territory of a Wimbledon quarter-final, losing the first five games.

Dementieva broke early again in the second set to ensure, like her next opponent, she goes into Thursday''s match a little undercooked without yet dropping a set.

"I wish I had a little bit of more fight before this round, but I think it was good to win all these matches in two sets and save some energy for the big moment, a semi-final."

The 27-year-old lost easily to 10-times grand slam winner Williams in their first meeting at Wimbledon six years ago but has won four of their last five encounters, including victory on the way to Olympic gold in Beijing.

Yet having lost to champion Venus Williams at the same stage last year, Dementieva knows precisely the challenge the American sisters provide this time of year.

"They love to play on grass and grass loves the Williams sisters. I feel more confident now and I just want to try one more time."

(Editing by Miles Evans)