Gisela Dulko vs Flavia Pennetta in Bastad Semifinals

Gisela Dulko vs Flavia Pennetta in Bastad Semifinals

Lucie Safarova was the first player to advance to the semis in Bastad after beating Zahlavova Strycova, 64 76.

“It was really a tough match,” Safarova said after beating her fellow Czech. “I think we were both nervous because we know each other so well.”

Gisela Dulko made it through whenr Ana Vrljic was forced to retire down 5-0 in the first set due to a left hamstring muscle injury.

Aravane Rezai followed with a 61 64 win over Arantxa Parra Santonja.
“I just fought like I did yesterday and two days ago,” Rezai said. “It wasn’t easy to stay focused after having won the first set that easily, and she kept fighting.”

Flavia Pennetta defeated Jill Craybas 64 64 to set up a semifinla meeting with her friend and doubles partner, Dulko. The match wasn’t simple however – it took exactly two hours, stretched in particular by a nine deuce final game of the first set.

Dulko leads Pennetta in their head-to-head, 3-2. The two are close friends and arguably the second-best doubles team of the year.

Rezai leads Safarova in their head-to-head, 2-1. It was 1-1 before their semifinal match at Madrid in the spring, but in that match Safarova had to retire.

“She’s a very good player who I’ve played against a few times, and it won’t be an easy match,” Rezai said of Safarova.