Venus sure she can stop Sharapova

Venus Williams believes she is still “a step ahead” of the rest when on top form as she prepares to face defending Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova in today’s semi-final.

The 25-year-old has belied her position as 14th seed and underlined her grass-court pedigree by reaching the final four.

The two-time champion believes she is more than a match for anyone on her day.

“I definitely feel the field has improved a lot. But I also know when I play my best that I feel like I am still a step ahead, for sure,” said Williams, who beat Mary Pierce 6-0 7-6 to reach the semis.

The 2000 and 2001 champion still has to take care not to over-exert herself with the threat of aggravating a stomach injury hanging over her but she insists she is feeling good.

Asked if she felt at her healthiest now, she added: “For sure, or else I wouldn’t have played the mixed doubles.

“I couldn’t have played any doubles at the Australian at all. It’s really hard on my stomach. I can’t serve that much. Even now I am monitoring how much I do. I can’t play too many matches or else I break down.”

Williams now stands between Sharapova and her second successive final, after she won her first by beating Venus’ younger sister Serena.

The other semi-final pitches 1999 champion and top seed Lindsay Davenport against third seed Amelie Mauresmo of France.

Mauresmo missed out on a place in the final last year when she was beaten by Serena Williams, but believes she has learned a lot from that as she bids to reachonly her second Grand Slam final after the 1999 Australian Open.

“I really think on the few occasions that I might get to make the difference, I will need to be 100% on these points and make sure I take these opportunities,” she said.

Mauresmo’s match against Davenport is first up on Centre Court, with Williams versus Sharapova to follow.