Some players may be daunted by facing top seed Serena Williams in the Wimbledon semi-finals, but Elena Vesnina is relishing the opportunity.
The 29-year-old is the only unseeded player left in the draw after she sent Dominika Cibulkova packing in straight sets on Tuesday, the Russian cruising to a 6-2 6-2 win.
Vesnina credited "self-belief" as the driving force behind her best run at a grand slam and she is ready to face Williams for a place in Saturday's final.
"That's a dream semi-final," said Vesnina. "I think nothing can be better than playing against Serena in semi-final on Centre Court at Wimbledon. It's special.
"Of course, I need to try to win this match. You have to show your best tennis.
"You have to stick to your game, you have to be solid, you have to enjoy yourself on the court. Of course, I will try to win it.
"I admire her. I'm always watching. She's number one in the world. She's best player in the world. I respect both Serena and Venus. What they bring to the sport is just incredible.
"It will be big challenge for me, but I hope I can accept this challenge."
Cibulkova's attentions now turn to her wedding on Saturday, the ceremony having been under threat as the Slovakian moved her way through the rounds at the All England Club.
"I think I will need a few hours to just think about everything," she said.
"I think tomorrow I will realise that I had a great grass-court season. I will just look forward to the wedding, because everything is ready. It's in a few days.
"I will get married one hundred per cent not thinking about tennis."
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