Top seed survives quarterfinal scare; Kuznetsova out with injury in Sydney on Day 4

Top seed Serena Williams had a tough start to her week, and playing Caroline Woznaicki didn't seem easy, as the American again saved some match points to enter the semifinals, along with Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva and Ai Sugiyama.

Williams was battling for every point, and it certainly paid off, as she eventually won in three tough sets to the Dane, who is seeded eighth, 67(5) 63 76(3), after saving three match points when Wozniacki was on serve at 6-5 in the third set.

"It definitely was lucky today - maybe I do have Irish bones in me," smiled Williams afterwards. "I think this is the best she's ever played in her life, really. Hopefully she'll keep it up."

No. 2 seed Safina had a much easier time on court, as she triumphed over Alize Cornet in straight sets, 63 64.

No. 3 seed Dementieva didn't finish her match as quickly as Safina, as she was also in an uncomfortable position against No. 6 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who made the Russian go to three sets, but Demnetieva managed to close it out, with a score of 62 57 64.

Unseeded Sugiyama didn't have to play a point to get to the semis, as her opponent, No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, retired instantly with a abdominal strain.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 67(5) 63 76(3)

(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 63 64

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (6) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 62 57 64

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) w/o (abdominal strain)