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Williams sisters into U.S. Open doubles final

  • Story Highlights
  • Williams sisters Serena and Venus reach U.S. Open women's doubles final
  • Last time the fourth-seeded American duo did so, they won the title in 1999
  • They beat 13th-seeded Russians Alisa Kleybanova and Ekaterina Makarova
  • Unseeded U.S. duo Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrott win mixed doubles title
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(CNN) -- The Williams sisters have reached the women's doubles final at the U.S. Open for the first time in a decade after being taken to three sets on Thursday.

Serena Williams, back left, watches as Venus hits a backhand during their doubles semifinal victory.

Serena Williams, back left, watches as Venus hits a backhand during their doubles semifinal victory.

Serena and Venus, who won the event in 1999, defeated the 13th-seeded Russian pairing of Alisa Kleybanova and Ekaterina Makarova 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-2.

The American fourth seeds will next face the winner of Friday's semifinal between defending champions Cara Black and Liezel Huber and third-seeded Australians Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs.

The siblings won the doubles at this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon, and will be seeking their 10th grand slam title as a pairing.

The windy conditions made it difficult for both pairings, with six breaks of serve in the third set.

"It was probably the most windy conditions I've ever played in," Serena told the official U.S. Open Web site. "It was tough, but everyone had to play in the same conditions."

World No. 2 Serena faces Kim Clijsters in the first singles semifinal on Friday, but older sister Venus was knocked out by the Belgian in the fourth round.

"It was a tougher day with the wind, but we did the best we could," Venus said. "I wish I could have made more shots to make things easier, but Serena is in excellent shape. She'll be ready."

Meanwhile, Black suffered defeat in the mixed doubles final on Thursday as the Zimbabwean and Indian partner Leander Paes failed to defend their title.

The second seeds lost 6-2 6-4 to unseeded Americans Carly Gullickson and Travis Parrott, who won their first grand slam title.

The U.S. duo had never before played together at one of tennis's four main tournaments, and had been handed a wildcard entry.

All About Serena WilliamsVenus WilliamsKim ClijstersU.S. Open - TennisUnited StatesTennisSports

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