Williams’ 1-2 Punch Wears Down Hingis

There’s a new grand slam in women’s tennis, and it takes place every time Venus Williams hits an overhead.

The acrobatic shot was part of an overpowering performance Thursday by Williams, who defeated Martina Hingis 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in the semifinals at the Lipton Championships.

The upset in the showdown of 17-year-olds won’t affect Hingis’ No.1 ranking, but it might shuffle the balance of power on the WTA Tour. Hingis has lost twice this year to the 11th-ranked Williams, who will break into the top 10 next week.

“I haven’t arrived yet,” Williams said. “I’m just coming. I’m on my way.”

The victory could have been more lopsided, but in the second set Williams squandered a 3-0 lead and three match points serving at 5-3.

Hingis survived two match points to defeat Williams’ sister, Serena, in the quarterfinals, but there was no escaping Venus.

“It’s difficult to play the Williams family two matches in a row,” Hingis said, smiling.

Saturday’s final will be another all-teen affair, with Williams facing 16-year-old Anna Kournikova for the first time. Kournikova earned her first berth in a final by defeating a top-10 player for the fourth day in a row, rallying past No. 8 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

In the men’s quarterfinals, revitalized Andre Agassi defeated Jeff Tarango 6-4, 6-3. Agassi’s opponent in tonight’s semifinals will be Alex Corretja, who defeated qualifier Steve Campbell 6-3, 6-1.