In a complete mismatch of a semi-final, Serena took just 48 minutes to inflict a crushing 6-2, 6-0 defeat on Vesnina to maintain her pursuit of a seventh title at the All England Club.

The victory saw the American reach her ninth final, where she will take on Kerber, the fourth seed.

The German, who overcame Serena in the final of this year's Australian Open, proved too strong for Venus to handle as she emerged with a 6-4, 6-4 success to ensure she will get her first-ever chance of clinching the Wimbledon crown.

"We've had tough matches before and I knew she could bring it to me on this surface," said Serena.

"It's never easy out there, every point you have to fight for.

"I can't believe I'm in the final this year. 

"I'm 0-2 this year so I'm determined to win one."

Serena signalled her intentions from the outset as she cruised into a 4-0 lead in the opening set before Vesnina, a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, produced a brief comeback.

It didn't prove to be enough, however, as the unseeded Russian lost the set in 28 minutes.

The American, a 21-time Grand Slam winner, then built on her performance in the second set and didn't drop a game on her way to a comprehensive triumph.

Serena would have perhaps been hoping for a final against her sister but Kerber had other ideas as she moved to the brink of the tournament's showpiece contest by taking the opener in her last-four clash with Venus.

Venus, the oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist since Martina Navratilova in 1994, struggled throughout and was unable to find a way back into the match as the German went on to seal a deserved victory.

"I know Venus is playing well at the moment," Kerber said.

"Everything worked and it is a very good feeling.

"I have a lot of experience now and I'm really enjoying my tennis life. 

"I'm playing my best tennis. 

"I will give everything I can in the final."