Jelena Dokic had to save two match points on the way to ending the run of a rejuvenated Anna Kournikova at the semi-final stage of the Acura Classic.

The sixth seed from Yugoslavia looked to be headed out of the tournament, but eventually triumphed after a two-hour battle in California and will face Venus Williams in the final.

After winning the second set on a tie-break Dokic emerged an easy winner in the final set.

But the teenager admitted she had struggled for energy during the match.

She had just 15 hours to recover after her surprise quarter-final win over Jennifer Capriati.

"I had a terrible time recovering," she said. "I was very physically and mentally drained. I just thank God for this match.

"She was playing very well and it wasn't until the third set that I really got my confidence back."

Kournikova was visibly upset with herself on several occasions towards the end of the second set when she allowed Dokic back into the tie.

"I was telling myself to get my feet moving," said the 21-year-old Russian, who had endured a poor run of form going into the event.

"I knew what I had to do, I just couldn't get my body to always do it. Of course I'm disappointed to lose but I'm really happy with my results this week.

"It gives some confidence and shows me what I have to work on and improve upon."