Clijsters lost to Capriati in the 2001 final More semi-final photos

The Belgian came through 7-5 6-1 to set up a meeting with either top seed Serena Williams, or compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne.

The world number two had too much top-level experience for Petrova, who was playing in her first major semi-final.

But she had to ride her luck in the first set against a remarkably composed opponent, who took to the court with her left thigh heavily bandaged.

Petrova broke serve at 4-4, as Clijsters struggled to settle into a rhythm, and had a set point to take a shock lead against the second seed.

But the Russian could only watch as a Clijsters drop shot hit the top of the net and dropped just over.

Game-by-game: Clijsters v Petrova

"Definitely I think those things can really turn sets around and matches around," Clijsters said afterwards.

"I was struggling a little with my forehand and not feeling the rhythm. Once I broke her that first time, I felt comfortable I could do it."

Petrova admitted: "I was a little bit down when she touched the let cord."

Clijsters took full advantage of her good fortune, and broke serve twice in a row to take a tense opening set.

Watch semi-final highlights

Petrova, who looked to be struggling with her movement as a result of her injury, shrugged off the disappointment and engineered her seventh break point in the opening game of the second set.

But once Clijsters staved off that danger, Petrova's game fell away as the second seed found the range on her groundstrokes.

The Belgian won 10 straight points to move into a 4-1 lead and broke again before sealing an ultimately comfortable victory with a delicate drop shot.

Clijsters is looking to make up for the disappointment of losing an epic final two years ago, when she went down 12-10 in the third set against Jennifer Capriati.