Wozniacki will be world number one for the first time in Monday's new rankings

New world number one Caroline Wozniacki overcame a knee injury to reach the semi-finals of the China Open with a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 win over Ana Ivanovic.

Wozniacki fell clutching her left knee when leading by a set and 3-1 but came back to win in one hour and 54 minutes.

Vera Zvonareva beat French Open champion Francesca Schiavone 6-0 6-2 in a match that lasted just 54 minutes.

Next up for Zvonareva is local star and ninth seed Li Na, who beat qualifier Anastasija Sevastova 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

Wozniacki's injury scare was the result of overstretching as she smashed a backhand return.

She took an injury time out to get the knee strapped, and though former world number one Ivanovic briefly rallied from 2-5 to 4-5 she could not deny the Dane her place in the last four.

606: DEBATE Is Wozniacki a worthy number one?

"I felt pain when I jumped down on my knee. Not very nice thoughts went through my mind," 20-year-old Wozniacki admitted. "It was a bit of a scare but I have had treatment and it feels better."

Of her elevation to top spot in the world she said: "It was a great feeling to wake up knowing I was the world number one but on the court it didn't feel different."

Her next opponent will be Shahar Peer of Israel, who defeated Switzerland's Timea Bacsinszky 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.

Wozniacki's efforts this week have guaranteed she will overtake Serena Williams for the top ranking on Monday, but the American has confirmed she will return to action for the first time since Wimbledon in Linz, Austria, next week.

"Just this week I thankfully received full clearance to play again," said Williams.

"I'm excited to announce that I will be playing the Generali Ladies Linz this coming week and, assuming I stay healthy, the year-end WTA Championships in Doha and Fed Cup."

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