Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova set for battle

Maria Sharapova's finest hour at Wimbledon came way back in 2004 when she beat Serena Williams in the final; a rare repeat of that success is a must if the Russian is to advance past the semi-final stage on Thursday.

All eyes are on top seed Williams at SW19 as she attempts to stay on course for a first calendar Grand Slam, having already secured the Australian and French Open titles, as well as possess all major titles at the same time in what has been dubbed the 'Serena Slam'.

The 33-year-old American battled back from a set down to progress to the last four at the expense of Victoria Azarenka on Centre Court on Tuesday.

Williams, the world number one, has 20 grand-slam titles to her name and is strongly fancied to take that tally to 21 this weekend.

Sharapova has won just one of her 17 matches against Williams since that precocious victory as a 17-year-old 11 years ago, her latest defeat to Serena came in this year's Australian Open final and she will have to come up with something special to get the better of the dominant force of women's tennis once again.

The Russian, who saw off an impressive Coco Vandeweghe to set up another clash with Williams, will be up against it but is determined to savour another special victory to end the favourite's bid to make history.

After ousting Vandeweghe in three sets, Sharapova said of her next opponent: "I think it's always a new match. I haven't had great success against her. I would love to change that around. That's how I look at it.

"I think if I would be replaying it in my mind I wouldn't be focused on trying to win my match or trying to beat my opponent that's in front of me.

"When I walk out on the court, I look around, I see the spectators, I see the new roof which wasn't there when I won, you really feel that special feeling. I'll have it for the rest of my life."

Williams and Sharapova overcame stern tests to move into the last four, but their refusal to be beaten was evident again as they battled through.

They will be expected to serve up another classic at the All England Club and the winner will be a strong favourite to go on and get their hands on the famous Venus Rosewater Dish.