Davenport has now won 11 straight matches against Mauresmo

Defending champion Davenport won 6-4 7-5 in only only her fourth match after five months out with a back injury.

"To beat a player of her level so soon is extremely rewarding," she said.

Justine Henin-Hardenne thrashed Mara Santangelo 6-2 6-3 and next faces Svetlana Kuznetsova, who beat Elena Dementieva 6-3 3-6 6-2.

In a repeat of the 2004 US Open final, Kuznetsova rallied from a break down in the third set to beat third seed Dementieva.

"I am very happy for the first and third sets but in the second set I don't know what happened," said Kuznetsova.

I know I need to take baby steps to come back Lindsay Davenport

"I just stopped and though I knew I was stopping, I couldn't do anything about it."

Davenport goes on to meet Australian lucky loser Samantha Stosur, who saw off Marion Bartoli 7-6 (7-2) 6-0.

"Whatever happens tomorrow happens tomorrow," said the American.

"It's still a huge success for me to be in the semi-finals and to have accomplished what I've accomplished.

"I know I need to take baby steps to come back. At the same token, you know, I'm happy that I'm playing well and feel like I want to keep on going."

Mauresmo, playing her first tournament since winning Wimbledon, said: "It's always disappointing to feel that you need a little bit more, more matches and everything.