DUBAI // Frenchwoman Alize Cornet scuppered hopes of a first final between the Williams sisters in four years, knocking out the top seed and world No 1 Serena Williams 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling semis of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Cornet, playing a world No 1 for only the third time in her career, showed incredible defence to frustrate Serena in 82 thrilling minutes of counter-punching tennis.

The 25-year-old will not meet Venus Williams in the final tomorrow’s final. The elder Williams had earlier turned back the clock to brush away Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-2.

arizvi@thenational.ae

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