After straight-set wins by Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber in the semifinals on Thursday, the stage has been set for a rematch of the Australian Open in the Wimbledon Final.

It took just 48 minutes for Williams to advance past Elena Vesnina, 6-2, 6-0. In a performance that was completely dominated by the world no. 1, Serena lost just one point off of a first serve that was clicking on Thursday. The American attacked Vesnina’s second service and broke her serve 5 times in the match.

The Russian, who entered the contest playing at a high level, had no answers for the Williams power which generated 11 aces and 28 winners. She won just 5 points in the second set.

Serena was happy to return to the final and hopes for a different result from recent finals, “I'm very happy. I was really focused today. We've had tough matches before and I knew she could bring it to me on this surface,” she said. “It's never easy out there, every point you have to fight for. I can't believe I'm in the final this year. I'm 0-2 this year so I'm determined to win one.”

Williams will face Kerber who defeated Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4, ending the hopes of an all-Williams final.

Kerber used her fluid movement and redirected Venus’ power to her advantage. The fourth-seed had a decisive advantage from the baseline and moved the American around the court and into defensive positions.

It was not a good day serving for either player as the pair combined for 7 service breaks in the first set. In the second set, Kerber continued the momentum and controlled the style of play, gaining an early break. She would maintain that advantage the remainder of the set.

After the match, as talk quickly turned towards the final, the German stated that she was pleased with the result and the current state of her game. “I'm just happy to be in my second Grand Slam final,” she said. “I will go out there with a lot of confidence. I will go out there like in Australia, trying to show her I'm here to win the match,” she continued. “I'm feeling good about my movement on grass courts, I can serve a little bit better. This makes me much more dangerous than on hard.”

Despite defeating Serena in Melbourne, she expects a battle on Saturday, “It's always a tough match against her,” said Kerber. “She's a champion and she's won so many times here. That's why I'm really happy about my game and my first final here at Wimbledon. I think right now I have a lot of experience from my last few years on tour and I'm enjoying my tennis life at the moment.”

Kerber hopes to become the first German to earn the title since Steffi Graf accomplished the feat 20 years ago. Ironically, Williams hopes to equal Graf at 22 career grand slam championships with a win.

The 28-year old will be facing a motivated Williams who made it clear that she is not content with simply advancing to her third straight major final. “For me, it's about obviously holding the trophy and winning, which would make it a better accomplishment for me,” she said. “For me, it's not enough. But I think that's what makes me different. That's what makes me Serena.”