Black Tennis Pros

Thunderous applause from the spectators in the Arthur Ashe Stadium could not compare to the leaps of joy by American Serena Williams when she defeated Russian Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-3, at the U.S. Open on Friday.

Serena is now into the Womens Single's final of the 2008 U.S. Open. It's been a while and it's a joy to see her in the upcoming final.

"It's so awesome," said Serena.

"You know, it's been just an awesome summer you know, I'm just happy to be, you know, finally back in the finals for once, you know, an American in the finals here, so...I'm really excited."

The former and potentially upcoming world no. 1 proved to be a seasoned pro. To accommodate a very windy day, Serena slowed down her power game and played a very controlled match. Safina, not quite so seasoned yet, seemed to want to play her regular game and consequently, with an assist from the wind, sprayed balls everywhere.

When asked about combating the wind and keeping her unforced errors to a minimum, Serena said, "I don't know, you know I thought okay, if it's so windy then I'm not gonna you know, go for as many winners and just stay out here and do what I can."

Marat Safin's younger sibling became very frustrated with her inability to play as she has been over the rest of the tournament. So much so, that when one of Serena's shots hit her in the chest, she appeared to call Serena a female canine. Serena attempted to apologize, but Safina wasn't trying to hear it at that point. But it was all good at the end of the match. Serena again apologized during their handshake at the net and Safina appeared to genuinely accept it. Phew! With the world no. 1 on the line a lady can get hostile!

No worries Safina, your day will come.

Serena is now set to play Serbian Jelena Jankovic in the final. When asked about the match up, Serena said, "you know I think she's playing really well and she's just having so much fun...she has nothing to lose, and neither do I, so it'll be a really good match."

Serena had friends and family in the stands supporting her, including quarterfinal opponent sister Venus Williams.

Top row-Star Jones, Middle Row-Hank Kuehne, Venus Williams, Bottom Row-Oracene Price, Isha Price

Venus Williams

Star Jones, Venus Williams, Isha Price

Richard Williams