Clijsters departs as Davenport reaches semis
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-08 10:31

But Myskina kept up with the rallies once the second set got underway and broke to lead 3-1 on her fourth break point.

Davenport immediately broke back by forcing a backhand error from her return but Myskina took advantage of careless errors and broke again to lead 5-3 when the American double-faulted.

In the final set, Davenport reduced her errors and her aggressive groundstrokes again gave her the edge.

She swiftly built a 5-0 lead, failed to win a match point as Myskina finally held serve, and then comfortably served out for the match.

"It was definitely a match that went up and down in terms of level of play and concentration probably for both of us," said Davenport. "...I don't feel she played as well on the bigger points in the final set."

Hantuchova was the steadier player against Pennetta, who had earlier upset fourth seed Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Pennetta played well in the rallies to keep herself in the match and Hantuchova had to fight off three break points as she served for the opening set.

The second set was decided by one break, with Pennetta's fourth double fault giving Hantuchova a 5-4 lead. The Slovak then served out the match to love, finishing with her sixth ace.