Dementieva into Wimbledon semi-final

Elena Dementieva reached her second successive Wimbledon semi-final with an easy victory against Italian Francesca Schiavone in the baking heat on Court One.

The Olympic champion and tournament fourth seed won 6-2 6-2 to set-up a semi-final clash against Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka.

"I am just very happy to be in the semi-final again," said Dementieva.

"It was a tough match despite the score. The weather conditions were tough today so I'm glad to go through. I was trying to play very aggressive and make it as quick as possible because it is very hot out there.

"I am sure it will be a tough challenge for me against Serena, if she gets though, as she likes to play on grass. But I just want to give myself another try."

Schiavone had been bidding to become the first Italian to reach the last four of a Wimbledon tournament.

Dementieva easily won the opening game of the contest and followed that by breaking Schiavone's serve to lead 2-0.

The Italian had a great chance to break straight back but squandered three opportunities and Dementieva made it 3-0 when Schiavone sent an attempted passing shot wide.

The Italian's serve was not strong enough to trouble the power of Dementieva and found herself 4-0 down in just 14 minutes.

Schiavone had another three break points in the next game and once again threw them away to allow Dementieva to go 5-0 ahead.

The Italian held serve for the first time in the match and followed that by breaking the Russian to reduce the arrears.

Any hopes of a fightback were thwarted however when Schiavone over-hit a cross-court volley from the Russian and Dementieva went on to take the set 6-2.

Schiavone made a better start to the second set - winning her serve to make it 1-1.

Dementieva was on top form though and a superb angled forehand had the Italian scampering in vain to try and reach it.

An identical shot brought Dementieva another break of serve and a 4-1 lead.

Schiavone still proved she had some fight left in the locker by holding serve, however Dementieva was unplayable on her own delivery and a 5-2 lead left Schiavone serving to save the match.

A poor return into the net left her opponent with two match points and an over-hit shot finally ended her participation in the tournament.