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The 24-year-old Russian served 13 double faults on her way to a 6-4 6-3 defeat of Germany's Sabine Lisicki to reach the final for the first time since she burst into the spotlight by winning the 2004 title as a carefree 17-year-old.
Eighth seed Kvitova silenced the wailing Victoria Azarenka 6-1 3-6 6-2 to reach her first grand slam final.
Neither match will live long in the memory though after a day that did little to alter the perception that the women's game is struggling without the rivalries that have fuelled interest in the men's game.
Image: Russia's Maria Sharapova celebrates defeating Germany's Sabine Lisicki in their semifinal match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Thursday, June 30, 2011.
Text: Reuters
Images: AP
