Pretty much everyone is impressed by the way Venus and Serena Williams dominate at Wimbledon.

Even Roger Federer, who knows a thing or two himself about success at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament.

"It seems when they're playing well," Federer observed, "that there's not much of a chance for the other girls."

That is true, particularly when it comes to Wimbledon, where recent records and the rankings don't seem to have any bearing on how the Williams sisters will fare. Remember: Serena Williams showed up at the All England Club with a 4-5 record since early April. Her older sibling Venus was not much better in that span, going 6-5.

Both trail No. 1 Dinara Safina in the rankings.

And yet, if No. 2 Serena beats No. 4 Elena Dementieva in Thursday's semifinals, and No. 3 Venus gets past Safina, they would set up the fourth all-Williams title match at Wimbledon and second in a row. As it is, one Williams or the other has won seven of the past nine championships here.

"I mean, it's been quite incredible what Venus has been able to do here at Wimbledon also, winning five times, just being so consistent for so many years," Federer said. "Serena obviously having won the career Grand Slam already since a long time has always been one of the biggest contenders for any major in the last few years. I like to watch them because they're very powerful."

Yes, there is little doubt who is expected to meet in Saturday's final.

... contd.