The top-seeded Capriati beat Nathalie Dechy 6-2, 6-3 in the other semifinal.

In six career meetings, Capriati holds a 4-2 advantage over Williams, including victories last year in the French Open and Wimbledon. Williams beat Capriati in their most recent match, last year in Toronto.

There is more at stake than the State Farm title on Sunday. Capriati can regain her world No. 1 ranking, which she lost to Venus Williams last Monday.

``I think it's a definite incentive,'' Capriati said. ``I'm not playing Venus but it's the closest thing. If I win, it will just be regaining my No. 1 spot and that's something to go for and look forward to.''

Williams, inactive since spraining an ankle Jan. 6 in Sydney, Australia, is close to top form.

``Considering all the time I had off, I'd give myself an eight,'' said Williams, grading herself on a 1-to-10 scale. ``Playing-wise, I'd give myself one more point than yesterday, a four.

``I was really pleased with that first set, but first sets don't win you championships.''

The third-seeded Williams overpowered Hingis, with whom she has split 12 career matches, in the first set. Hingis got her baseline game working in the second set and frustrated Williams.

In the third set, Williams broke Hingis' service in the first game. It was the only break of the set.

``I had my chances,'' Hingis said. ``I just missed my opportunities. I didn't really pressure her in the first set.

``I didn't mind her power. It wasn't really overwhelming. That definitely I was happy about.''

It was the first meeting of the players since Williams beat Hingis in last year's U.S. Open semifinals. Prior to that, Hingis had beaten Williams three straight times.