Williams, Daniilidou, Maruesmo and Dementieva win

By Chris Davies
February 7 2003

Serena Williams stayed on course for her main target of being unbeaten this year crusing into the semi's of the Open Gaz de France in Paris

Serena Williams cruised into the semi-finals in Paris, beating Janette Husarova of Slovakia 6-3, 6-3.

Eleni Daniilidou will be Williams next opponent as she thrashed last years runner-up and No.5 seed Jelena Dokic 6-1, 6-3. Daniilidou was thrashed by Serena Williams less than 3 weeks ago at the Australian Open when the big serve that the Greek relied on was no were to be seen. But she has the game to cause a huge upset tomorrow afternoon.

Elsewhere there was good news for the rise of Elena Dementieva who hasn't been in form for the last couple of months when she beat Daniela Hantuchova the No 2 seed and world No 5 in straight sets 7-5,6-3.

Magui Serna put up a fight against Amelie Mauresmo who has just returned from 4 month lay-off by taking her to a tight first set to take it to a tie-break. But Mauresmo went from strength to strength and claimed the match winning 7-6, 6-4. And will now take on Elena Dementieva for a place in the Final.

E Dementieva (RUS) bt D HANTUCHOVA (SVK) 2
7-5, 6-3

E DANIILIDOU (GRE)8 bt J DOKIC (YUG) 4
6-1, 6-3

S WILLIAMS (USA) 1 bt J Husarova (SVK)
6-3, 6-3

A MAURESMO (FRA) 3 bt M Serna (SPA)
7-6, 6-4