Friday, 9 May, 2008

Giant killer Dinara Safina struck again on Friday at the Qatar Telecom German Open.

The 13th-seeded Russian upset number five seed Serena Williams 2-6 6-1 7-6 (7/5) in the quarter-finals of the claycourt event.

Safina also shocked world number one Justine Henin in three sets on Thursday.

While Henin has been inconsistent in recent months, Williams came into this event as the hottest player on the WTA Tour.

The 26-year-old American had won 17 straight matches, including three consecutive titles at Bangalore, Miami and Charleston. The former world number one had lost only once in 22 matches this season prior to Friday.

Safina, who has not won a WTA event since Gold Coast in January 2007, is through to her first semi-final of the season.

Her opponent there is another tournament surprise - Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

The unseeded Azarenka advanced with a 7-6 (7/2) 6-2 upset of 15th-seeded Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko.

The 18-year-old also shook up the draw earlier in the tournament with a stunning three-set win over second seed Anna Chakvetadze.

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Henin withdraws from Rome event
Safina sees off Serena
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Aussie duo to play in Hopman Cup
Murray and Mirnyi crash out
Ex-Wimbledon champs set for Eastbourne
Murray bows out