The two-time champion believes she is more than a match for anyone on her day.

“I definitely feel the field has improved a lot. But I also know when I play my best that I feel like I am still a step ahead, for sure,” said Williams, who beat Mary Pierce 6-0 7-6 to reach the semis.

The 2000 and 2001 champion still has to take care not to over-exert herself with the threat of aggravating a stomach injury hanging over her but she insists she is feeling good.

Asked if she felt at her healthiest now, she added: “For sure, or else I wouldn’t have played the mixed doubles.

“I couldn’t have played any doubles at the Australian at all. It’s really hard on my stomach. I can’t serve that much. Even now I am monitoring how much I do. I can’t play too many matches or else I break down.”

Williams now stands between Sharapova and her second successive final, after she won her first by beating Venus’ younger sister Serena.

The other semi-final pitches 1999 champion and top seed Lindsay Davenport against third seed Amelie Mauresmo of France.

Mauresmo missed out on a place in the final last year when she was beaten by Serena Williams, but believes she has learned a lot from that as she bids to reachonly her second Grand Slam final after the 1999 Australian Open.

“I really think on the few occasions that I might get to make the difference, I will need to be 100% on these points and make sure I take these opportunities,” she said.

Mauresmo’s match against Davenport is first up on Centre Court, with Williams versus Sharapova to follow.