Exhilarating semi-final silences critics.

There are as many critiques of woman’s tennis as there are plaudits for the men’s game. Some say there is very little that could convince these critics that woman’s tennis is worth watching. However, ladies semi-final day at this year’s Wimbledon tennis championships produced a match for the ages.

The first semi-final of the day between Serena WilliamsSerena Williams and Elena DementievaElena Dementieva was not given much chance in terms of the entertainment stakes. All pundits and experts believed that it would be a straightforward victory for Williams. Elena Dementieva, despite being the current Olympic champion, had one fatal flaw according to tennis experts; her serve. Throughout the Russian’s career the lack of a ‘big-serve’ has been the weakness in an otherwise flawless game. What no-one expected was the vast improvement in this area. Even Serena Williams was amazed at the improvement of the Russian’s serve: "I have never seen her serve so well in my life. She was serving at 90mph, the low 100s, and to keep it up consistently is not easy."

In what is being hailed as one of the greatest matches ever to take place at the All England Club this match will be remembered for years to come. Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva produced breathtaking tennis. More often than not, throughout the match it was Williams who had to call on all her battling qualities to overcome a spirited Dementieva. Critics of woman’s tennis were left in awe of this match. It had everything a tennis match needs to be a classic. Brilliant shot-making, immense power-hitting and an atmosphere worthy of a Grand slam final.

The elegant Russian, who is accustomed to being reserved, was doing all the talking with her racquet reducing a surprised Serena scrambling for the lines. The first set went the way of Dementieva in fifty minutes; to think that is was accomplished by a two-time Grand Slam finalist whose game is unduly understated most of the time. However, the ever-ominous Serena fought back. Armed with her trademark resilience the American levelled the match by taking the second set 7-5.

The best was being saved for the last. Gallant, rebellious, both digging deep into their own armour to bring out their best weapons to outshine the other, a break of serve went the way of Dementieva in the deciding set. There would be one more twist in this match. Incredible athleticism from both players, a never-say-die attitude and the irresistible desire of Williams saw her break back to level the match 3-3. After two hours and forty-nine minutes Serena Williams clinched one the toughest and most dramatic wins of her career; setting up a showdown with sister Venus WilliamsVenus Williams in Saturday’s final.

In the post-match press conference, a losing semi-finalist is expected to be stoical and Elena Dementieva achieved this with distinguished elegance by saying: “The way I was playing is more important than the result.” A fighter who defied all predictions who proved all critics wrong, showed unbelievable valour and nearly shattered the dreams of every Serena Williams fan.

The tennis world and all its critics were treated to a test of determination and resilience between two women both who had arrived on court with nothing less than victory in their sites. It seems that the ever-present critique of women’s tennis has been dealt a serious blow in light of this epic match.