Jankovic, Williams Advance Into Cincinnati Semis

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Jankovic, Williams Advance Into Cincinnati Semis

By Erik Gudris / August 16, 2013

Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams made quick work of their opponents to reach the Western and Southern Open semis in Cincinnati.

(Photo credit: Andy Kentla)

Top seed Serena Williams continued her march to a possible maiden title in Cincinnati after earning a straight sets win at the Western and Southern Open.

Facing Romania's Simona Halep in the quarterfinals, Williams blazed through the opening set 6-0 by hitting four aces and not facing a single break point against her.

The second set proved a tighter affair with Williams dropping serve once. But the top seed held onto a slim advantage to close out the 6-0, 6-4 win.

Next up for Williams is defending champion Li Na. Li advanced by walkover against Agnieszka Radwanska who withdrew from the tournament Thursday to attend the funeral of her grandfather who passed away last Sunday.

Jankovic Rolls Against Vinci in Quarters

Cincinnati continues to be a happy hunting ground for No. 14 seed Jelena Jankovic. The 2009 champion finds herself once again in the semis after a dominant performance over Italy's Roberta Vinci.

Jankovic raced away with the first set 6-0 in under 20 minutes. Vinci made it a closer match in the second set. But the Italian found herself broken twice, allowing Jankovic to seal the 6-0, 6-4 victory.

Waiting for Jankovic in the semifinals will be Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka fought off a determined Caroline Wozniacki who battled the No. 2 seed well into the late night on Friday.

After Wozniacki double faulted to give away the first set 6-3, Azarenka had chances to open up a 4-1 lead in the second set. But Wozniacki stood firm and eventually forced a tiebreak. But Azarenka raised her level to close out the 6-3, 7-6(5) win.

Azarenka leads the head to head versus Jankovic 4-3.