Muguruza, the Venezuelan-born 21-year-old, was utterly dominant for the first set and a half against Polish opponent Agnieszka Radwańska in the first match of the day, proving too strong on her opponents serve and hitting three times as many winners to claim the first set 6-2.

The 20th seed then moved into a 3-1 lead in the second set before 13th seeded Radwańska began to fight back, winning six straight games to take the set 6-3 and force a decider.

It was the first time Muguruza had shown glimpses of a weakness, with the Pole managing to move the ball on to her weaker forehand side.

But showing an impressive level of composure the Spaniard broke back, before hitting a brilliant backhand winner to take a 4-2 lead.

That left the Spaniard to serve the match out which, after saving two break points, she eventually did with a drive volleyed winner to become her nations first female finalist since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1996.

"I knew it was going to be tough," she said afterwards.

"I was nervous in second set.

"She has a lot of experience and I had to fight."

Despite having lost to Muguruza in last year's French Open, Williams will still be heavily favoured in the final on Saturday (July 11) after a 17th successive victory over Sharapova.

The American was simply too powerful and consistent, ruthlessly punishing the Russian's second serve to earn a 6-2, 6-4 victory.

She will be seeking a 21st Major title as well as achieving the rare feat of holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously.

Tomorrow will see the two men's semi-finals as world number one Novak Djokovic faces Richard Gasquet while home favourite Andy Murray locks horns with seven-time champion Roger Federer.

Murray's brother Jamie is meanwhile through to the men's doubles partner along with Australian partner John Peers, where they will face Dutchman Jean-ulien Roger and Romanian Horia Tecau.

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