Second seed Serena Williams defeated Daniela Hantuchova 6-4 6-3 to reach the semi-finals at the Dubai Open. Williams will face Jelena Jankovic, who beat India's Sania Mirza 6-2 6-2.
Teenager Mirza, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova in the previous round, was backed by a vocal crowd in Dubai but she responded with a nervous display.
In the other semi-final, top seed Lindsay Davenport will take on Patty Schnyder, who upset third seed Anastasia Myskina 6-7 7-6 6-4.
"I definitely had fun today. It was a nice match," said Williams.
"I didn't want to get off to a slow start again, especially against someone like Daniela.
"I moved better today, and I just think I was a little more focused. It's getting used to this court and the balls, and each day I get better."
 |  We can't just go on the court and be a robot |
Myskina, who followed fellow Russian Kuznetsova out of the event, blamed Russia's Fed Cup win in December for her poor form.
"We had only 20 days break between the season and that is the biggest reason why I am not playing well," said the French Open champion, who squandered a match point against Schnyder.
"We can't play 365 days a year. We're human beings and can get tired or have a bad day.
"We can't just go on the court and be a robot."
Davenport easily saw off Spain's Conchita Martinez 6-1 6-4.
MMIX
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