adminDUBAI. — Venus Williams has reached her fourth career Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semi-final with a 6-3, 7-5 win over qualifier Flavia Pennetta of Italy.
The American, who won this title in 2009 and 2010, squandered her first chance of victory. Serving at 5-4, she lost a match point when Pennetta hit a forehand crosscourt winner. Four points later Pennetta broke serve to even the score.
However, Pennetta dropped serve in the 11th game to give Williams a second chance. After falling 0-40 behind, Williams fought back to take the game and the match.
Williams will play the winner of the quarter-final match between eighth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Sorana Cirstea of Romania. Top seed Serena Williams plays fifth-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in a night featured match.
Meanwhile, former No 1 Pete Sampras says Roger Federer could play for another “two, three, four more years” and add to his tally of 17 Grand Slam titles.
Speaking ahead of an exhibition match against Andre Agassi in London on March 3, Sampras said on a conference call that he is “amazed” by Federer’s longevity.
Asked if Federer could win another Grand Slam title, Sampras said on Wednesday “I think he can do it. That’s why he’s playing, I don’t think he’s playing for anything else but to win some more majors.”
Sampras, who retired after winning his 14th Grand Slam title at the 2002 US Open, said Federer should be comforted by his impressive run to the semifinals at the Australian Open. — AP.
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