In a year which has not been particularly successful for Venus Williams, the chance to defend her title on Saturday has come as somewhat of a relief.

Williams emerged triumphant against compatriot and fellow big-hitter Lindsay Davenport to set up a final clash with Justine Henin - but it was far from plain sailing for the champion.

Rather like Capriati's first set against Henin, Williams also breezed to take the opener 6-2.

But Davenport, who had a score to settle after losing to her opponent in last year's final, fought back to take the next set in a tie-break.

Williams explained to the gathering press, afterwards, what had happened to her in the second.

"She started to hit a lot of penetrating balls. I felt I was on the back foot and started playing a lot of loose shots."

Williams then added that her determination to go back to America with some silverware helped her overcome the setback, in the third.

Good chance

"I really didn't feel like I was going to go home without the win - that was basically how I was feeling.

"In the third set I also had just one unforced error - so I think that helped a lot."

Despite the fact that fellow finalist Henin has beaten her in their only other meeting, Williams is confident she can reverse the result on Saturday.

"The last time we played I was moving kind of slow. I don't think I was playing as well as maybe I could have.

"I feel comfortable going into the final - I've been there once or twice before so I think my chances are good.

In reply to a suggestion that Williams may take the final lightly against her less renowned opponent, she replied: "My mum told me never to underestimate anyone, so I take that as good advice."