Dementieva has beaten Williams three times in 2009

Elena Dementieva will take on fellow Russian Maria Sharapova in the Rogers Cup final after stunning second seed Serena Williams in straight sets.

Dementieva came through 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 to avenge her epic Wimbledon semi-final defeat at the hands of the American.

Williams led 5-3 in the first set but held her serve just once more as she crumbled to the tournament fourth seed.

The unseeded Sharapova made her first final in more than year with a gritty 6-2 4-6 6-4 over Alisa Kleybanova.

The former Wimbledon champion, whose last appearance in a final came at Amelia Island in April 2008, began her comeback from shoulder surgery in May after nine months on the sidelines.

"Coming back after not playing for a while is always tough, especially after you've had an injury," said Sharapova, a three-time Grand Slam champion.

I can't say I was especially feeling the fire, the burn, but obviously I wanted to do well Serena Williams

"I'm really grateful I have another chance to be in a final and with the way I've been able to learn from every match. It's almost like another step in my career."

Sharapova is now guaranteed to be seeded at the US Open after moving up from her current ranking of 49 into the top 32.

Kleybanova, 20, had reached the last four by upsetting fifth seed Jelena Jankovic.

Dementieva's win was her fifth in 11 meetings with Williams and her third win in five matches against the American this year.

"I was really waiting for this match after Wimbledon," said Dementieva. "It's always interesting to play Serena, especially looking for revenge after Wimbledon.

"No matter if I'm playing a Grand Slam or another tournament, I'm expecting a tough match against her. I realise I have to play my best or I'm going to be out."

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Williams said: "I probably should have won but I didn't. I can't say I was especially feeling the fire, the burn, but obviously I wanted to do well.

"I really hope to have another go at her at the US Open because I learned a lot from today's match."

A run to the final in Toronto will go some way to making up for last week's semi-final defeat by Jankovic in Cincinnati when Dementieva wasted four consecutive match points.

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