Serena Williams argues a point with the umpire during the third set of her US Open quarterfinal match against compatriot Jennifer Capriati in New York, September 7, 2004. (Reuters)

Jennifer Capriati won a titanic struggle with old foe Serena Williams to reach the semi-finals of the US Open, going through 2-6 6-4 6-4 on Tuesday after one of the most dramatic battles in the tournament's history.

In a match punctuated by a shocking umpiring mistake against third seed Williams in the first game of the deciding set, Capriati rallied from a set down to advance to the last four for the third time in four years.

After the first two sets were shared under the lights on Arthur Ashe Court, a Williams backhand at deuce in the opening game of the third was correctly called good, only for umpire Mariana Alves to wrongly call "advantage Capriati".

A furious Williams, champion in 1999 and 2002, argued against the call but to no avail as her fellow American went on to break to lead 1-0, only for Williams to break back for 1-1.

However, eighth seed Capriati, mixing her game up well and keeping Williams off balance, broke again for 2-1 and held her nerve under intense pressure to clinch victory on her third match point.

Capriati, who 10 times was two points from victory over eventual champion Justine Henin-Hardenne in the semi-finals last year, will take on sixth seed Elena Dementieva for a place in the final after the Russian ended the title hopes of second seed Amelie Mauresmo 4-6 6-4 7-6.

(Agencies)

umpire: to act as referee for; rule or judge（仲裁）

deciding set: （决胜局）

avail: use, benefit, or advantage（效用, 利益）