Jankovic through to semis

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

The top-seeded Serbian was a 7-6 (8/6) 6-3 winner over the unseeded Italian.

The victory extended Jankovic’s winning streak to 10 matches and set up a semi-final clash with defending champion Elena Dementieva, who needed three sets to oust Russian compatriot Nadia Petrova 6-4 4-6 7-6 (8/6).

Jankovic, who overtook Serena Williams for the world number one ranking at the start of the week, is seeking her third title in as many events.

The first player on the WTA Tour this season to reach the 60-win mark, Jankovic needed nearly two hours to dispatch Pennetta one day after enduring a two-and-a-half-hour marathon victory over Vera Dushevina.

Pennetta, who upset Venus Williams in the opening round and has won two titles this season, held early leads in both sets but eventually succumbed.

A Russian player has won in Moscow in four of the last five years, and the third-seeded Dementieva will be hoping to continue that trend with a second successive title.

Dementieva struggled with her serve against Petrova though en route to reaching the semi-finals for the 10th time in 17 events this year.

Despite committing eight double-faults, Dementieva saved seven of 12 break-point chances to prevail in two hours and 44 minutes.

Meanwhile, second-seeded Russian Dinara Safina booked her spot in the last four with a 6-4 7-5 victory over fifth-seeded countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova.

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