Venus knocks Pe'er out in Madrid semis

American improves career against Israeli with a 6-3, 6-0 victory in semifinals of prestigious Madrid Masters.

By ALLON SINAI
shahar peer 311 (photo credit: courtesy)
shahar peer 311
(photo credit: courtesy)
Venus Williams was Shahar Pe'er's undoing yet again on Saturday afternoon.
The American improved to 5-0 in her career against the Israeli with a 6-3, 6-0 victory in the semifinals of the prestigious Madrid Masters, a week after sending Pe'er packing in the third round in Rome.
"I had a good feeling before the match and I thought I would finally be able to beat her," said Pe'er, who toiled for over two-and-a-half hours before beating world number 13 Na Li 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals on Friday. "It is always difficult to play Venus, but it was especially tough today, maybe because I was both physically and mentally tired."
Williams, who will climb to No. 2 in the rankings, looked in control right from the start as she secured an early break to go up 3-1. Pe'er responded immediately, earning three break points after firing a forehand pass down the line. Williams saved the first two before hitting a backhand into the net.
Williams eventually found some rhythm on serve, and closed out the first set having broken the Israeli again. The second set was completely dominated by Williams, with the American winning 27 of 39 points.
"She's a tenacious player. Very talented. Never say die spirit... I wasready for that," Williams said of Pe'er. "To play that well against aplayer like her, I can't complain."
Despite the defeat, Pe'er will be very pleased with her form enteringnext week's French Open. Pe'er has already reached five semifinals thisyear and will climb around five places from her current ranking of No.22 after collecting 450 points as well as 135,500 euro for reaching thelast four in Madrid.
The Israeli also added another 19,500 euro to her account afteradvancing to the semifinals of the doubles tournament in Madrid. Pe'erand Francesca Schiavone lost 7-5, 6-2 to Venus and younger sisterSerena in the last four on Friday.