Elena impresses, sets up Schiavone rematch

Elena Dementieva continued her impressive form this week as she beat fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva, 7-5 6-2 in their Quarter-final on Thursday. The first set was a high quality affair with a number of excellent baseline rallies; Zvonareva served for the set at 5-3 however she was unable to capitalise as Dementieva went on a 7-game winning streak to take the first set and lead 3-0 in the second set. Zvonareva battled hard in the 2nd set however she was unable to find any rhythm on her serve as Dementieva eased to victory. Dementieva has struggled for form since an injury at the French Open; however she demonstrated today that when she is fit and healthy, she is a very difficult player to beat and she will now look to qualify for a place in the WTA season ending chmapionships. Dementieva will now face Francesca Schiavone in the SF's in a rematch of the French Open SF. Schiavone edged Kaia Kanepi, 7-5 4-6 7-5 in a marathon encounter lasting over 3 hours. It was Schiavone who just showed that bit more flair and consistency on her serve to win as she continued her impressive form from the US Open in reaching the Tokyo Semi-finals. I am anticipating a close match tomorrow but i'm siding with Dementieva as she has looked particularly impressive this week and i feel when she's on her game, she will have too much for Schiavone.

In the other Semi-final, Caroline Wozniacki will take on another good friend in Victoria Azarenka. Wozniacki eased into the SF's following the retirement of Agnieszka Radwanska at 5-0 down. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a good match. Wozniacki is the first woman to have qualified for the season ending championships in Doha and she will also have the number 1 ranking in her sight with a good performance in Beijing next week. Victoria Azarenka was in dominant form once again as she dispatched of the American wildcard Coco Vandeweghe, 6-2 6-1. Like the first SF, this one should be tight but I am going to go for an upset and side with Azarenka. I believe with Azarenka playing well, she has the power to hurt Wozniacki and hope that a withdrawal from the Doubles Competiton is not a sign that Wozniacki could be in for another easy ride...

Predictions - Dementieva to beat Schiavone in 2 sets and Azarenka to beat Wozniacki in 3 sets.