New York, NY (AHN) - Venus Williams showed the tennis world - and her sister Serena - all about perseverance Wednesday night, overcoming some spectacular hitting and solid play from the world's No. 3-ranked player, Jelena Jankovvic, to win 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) and advance to a semifinal showdown against World No. 1 Justine Henin.

Williams reached deep down into her bag of athletic treasures - and pulled out her incredible perseverance - after losing the first set to Jankovic, 6-4.

Williams, the 2007 Wimbledon champion, will make her first return to the semifinals round at the U.S. Open since 2002.

Williams talked about her sister Serena's quarterfinal loss to Henin, her next opponent.

"I was so disappointed. I watched. More than anything, she's my little sister, so watching her be upset is hard for me," Venus Williams said. "I've got to play well Friday for her."

In the other semifinal, 2004 Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova will meet No. 6 Anna Chakvetadze, a matchup between two Russians.

One the players reach the tiebreak in the final set, Jankovic made four uncharacteristic unforced errors that gave Williams some breathing room and allowed her to hit with more reckless abandon.

Williams put the match away with an emphatic swinging forehand volley. Williams attacked the net 55 times and won 39 of those points, dictating play in the second set and tie-break.

"First of all, I want to say well done to Venus," Jankovic said. "She deserved to win. She was better at the end."

The two players were a contrast in different approaches with Jankovic flashing her magnificent smile early and often while Williams showed grit by displaying a steely exterior - and no smile whatsoever.

Williams, meanwhile, was straight-faced throughout. Until, that is, the match was won. Then she allowed herself a smile.

"It went the distance," Williams said. "It was awesome."