Serena Williams , 10 times the winner of grand slam titles , was within an inch of being beaten , her rare and bold volley at 4-5 , 30-40 in the decider clipping the net tape as it darted snakily away from Elena Dementieva in a 6-7 , 7-5 , 8-6 win lasting an adrenaline-drenched 2hr 49min .