Dementieva started out very well in the brand-new Gaz de France Stars tournament, reaching the final without many difficulties. Also in her semifinal match against Camerin she showed she played two deserved Grand Slam finals.

In the first set she breaks Camerin’s first serve but gets a rebreak on 0-40 after hitting a double fault, two winners by the Italian and one unforced error into the net.

Showing that she is the better player Dementieva breaks again for a 3-1 lead. In the 7th game Camerin breaks for 4-3 but she can’t hold the lead when the Russian again breaks back for a 5-3 lead.

After fighting off deuce Dementieva managed to win the first set 6-3 hitting a well-placed smash on advantage.

In the second set both players attacked their opponents service game with good results. Dementieva was the first to hold her serve for 3-1 winning her game 40-0. She breaks again for a 4-1 lead at 0-40 when Camerin hits another unforced error.

Dementieva not very good at serving, Camerin takes back one break for 4-2 after a well-aimed lob from the back of the court, a double fault by Dementieva and winning a forehand volley at the net.

With keeping the ball in play Camerin is setting up great opportunities for Dementieva to win the rallies. Not many rallies are lost by the Russian and she breaks for 5-2.

Due to bad serving Camerin again breaks Dementieva’s serve and comes back to 5-3, Dementieva played three unforced errors and a double fault, not one of her first serves were in, her second serve is weak enough to be attacked by the Italian. Serving with new balls could not help Dementieva to finish the match on her own service game.

She takes care of that breaking Camerin’s serve again. On her first matchpoint at 15-40 Dementieva hits the return wide. Camerin comes back to deuce but has to let Dementieva take advantage when she is not able to bring back the Russians service return. Dementieva takes the matchpoint hitting a winner on Camerin’s second service, ending the match 6-3, 6-3.

Elena Dementieva is in the final on Sunday playing Kim Clijsters or compatriot Elena Bovina.