Match point haunts beaten Dementieva

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - It will be a while before Elena Dementieva can erase the sixth point of the 10th game of the third set of her Wimbledon semi-final against Serena Williams from her memory bank -- if ever.

It was the split second when a first Wimbledon singles final flashed before her eyes and the moment when the chance of an epic and probably deserved victory over the American twice former champion slipped through her fingers.

With Williams 4-5, 30-40 down in the decider and fighting for her all her worth, Dementieva had a glorious chance to drill a backhand into the yawning gap past her net-rushing opponent. However, instead of going down the line she hit it crosscourt and Williams wobbled a winning volley off the tape.

Her moment had passed.

Williams broke the Dementieva serve at 6-6 and served out for a 6-7 7-5 8-6 victory in a gripping match lasting just under three hours -- the longest women's semi-final since the game turned professional in 1968.

"The only regret I have is maybe I should take a little bit more risk on match point, I should go down the line," Dementieva, the Olympic singles champion but so often the bridesmaid of women's tennis when it comes to the grand slam tournaments, told reporters.

"I'm disappointed with the shot because I'm very surprised I didn't go down the line. I mean, that passing shot, this is my favourite shot to make.

"I mean, maybe it was too quick, so I didn't see she was moving to cover crosscourt. She was very close to the net. I mean, down the line or even lob would work," she added wistfully, re-playing the point out loud.