News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » Sports » Kuznetsova and Dementieva set up semi-final clash

Kuznetsova and Dementieva set up semi-final clash

By Simon Cambers
August 24, 2007 10:10 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva set up an all-Russian semi-final at the WTA event in New Haven on Thursday, a repeat of their 2004 U.S. Open final, won by Kuznetsova.

Top seed Kuznetsova was leading Francesca Schiavone 6-2 when the Italian retired with an ankle injury, while sixth seed Dementieva came from 4-0 down to beat Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli of France 6-4 6-2.

But there will not be a third Russian in the semi-finals after fourth seed Dinara Safina self-destructed, blowing four match points before losing 1-6 7-6 6-2 to Greek Eleni Daniilidou.

Daniilidou will play Hungarian teenager Agnes Szavay in the last four after the 18-year-old beat eighth seed Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-1 6-4.

Dementieva looked in trouble when she trailed Bartoli 4-0 but the Russian reeled off 12 of the next 14 games to clinch victory.

Third seed Bartoli struggled with a broken nail but Dementieva was good value for her win as she reached her fourth semi-final of the year.

"It was very difficult to get into the match," Dementieva said.

"I was trying just to find the rhythm and fight for every point and when I found it I just started to play better."

Kuznetsova said there would be no surprises when she and Dementieva meet for the eighth time.

"I played her here last year in the quarters I think and we had a three-setter," she said.

"I always enjoy playing her. I know her game pretty well, as she does mine. I think I have a better record (4-3), but still, it's always good to play your countrywoman and it great to have two Russians in the semi-final."

Safina had two match points on serve at 5-4 in the second set, and then two more in the tiebreak but let it slip.

World number 42 Daniilidou then eased through the third set to win a match that contained 14 breaks of serve.

Szavay followed up her win over second seed Daniela Hantuchova with a confident display against Bondarenko to reach the last four.

"If somebody had told me before the tournament that I would be in the semi-final, I would have been really satisfied," the 18-year-old said.

"I'm very tired but I hope I can prepare well for tomorrow."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Simon Cambers
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25