Favourites wilt in Dubai

Williams became world number one in Dubai

Click here for Friday's results from Dubai

Top seeds Venus Williams and Monica Seles crashed out of the Dubai Open at the semi-final stage.

Fourth seed Sandrine Testud caused a major upset by coming from behind to overcome number one seed Williams 1-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 in a gruelling match.

While Seles failed to make the most of her chances as she was felled by number three seed Amelie Mauresmo 6-4 6-3.

It is impossible to win when you miss every shot

Venus Williams

Williams, who ensured she will take over as number one in the rankings by reaching the last four, had never lost to Testud in five previous meetings.

But after blitzing through the opening set in 21 minutes, the American made a series of unforced errors as Testud stretched her with shots to both sides of the court.

Williams lost a tough 59 minute second set - one of the competition's longest - in a tie break, fighting back from 0-3 to reach 3-5 before losing it 7-5.

She was forced off court after the first set for medical treatment, although the reason was unclear.

Both players broke serve three times in the second set, bit it was Testud who made the decisive move in the final set by breaking the favourite in the third game.

Seles was brushed aside by Mauresmo

The fourth seed held her nerve to close out the match.

Following her victory at the Antwerp Open last week, Williams was disappointed at the manner of defeat despite moving to the head of the world rankings.

"Sandrine played a lot better than me," said the Wimbledon champion.

"I am really disappointed as I hate to lose. But it is impossible to win when you miss every shot."

Seles squandered break points in the third and seventh games of the first set, before facing two set points at 5-4 against Mauresmo.

The number two seed saved the first with a service winner, but the Frenchwoman hit a blistering winner down the line on the second.

Seles then snatched an early break in the second set to lead 1-0 but her opponent's searing backhand proved too strong and accurate for her.

Mauresmo broke back immediately, and gained a second break for 3-1 before closing out to reach the final against compatriot Testud.

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Friday's semi-finals results from the Dubai Open

Amelie Mauresmo (Fra,3) beat Monica Seles (US,2) 6-4 6-3
Sandrine Testud (Fra,4) beat Venus Williams (US,1) 1-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4

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