Serena Williams clinched at least a silver medal Friday and earned a berth in the Olympic final when she beat No. 1-seeded Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-2.
On Saturday, Williams will face first-time Olympian Maria Sharapova, who beat Russian teammate Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals.
Williams, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, has lost only 16 games through five rounds and has won 12 consecutive matches this summer at the All England Club, including her fifth Wimbledon title a month ago.
She teamed with sister Venus to win the gold medal in doubles in 2000 and 2008. They had a chance to clinch at least a silver in a semifinal later in the day.
Williams has won 14 Grand Slam singles championships, the most of any active woman.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
