Dechy Lone Semifinal Seed at WTA Strasbourg

Top-seeded Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy became the lone seed to advance to the semifinals Thursday at the WTA stop in Strasbourg, weathering a three-set battle with wildcard countrywoman Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

"I felt the first set was a little too easy," Dechy said. "In the second, I was concentrating on my serve too much and let her back into the match. She was playing well. Finally in the third I was able to put my serve out back in perspective and just play more naturally and I was able to win it. I expected to reach the semifinals here, so I am happy."

The three un-seeds into the semifinals were Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues (d. Douchevina 6-1 in the third), Poland's Marta Domachowska (d. Peng from a set down), and Madagascar's Dally Randriantefy (d. (6) Sprem in three).

On tap for the Friday semifinals are Randriantefy vs. Domachowska, and (1) Dechy vs. Anabel "Funky Cold" Medina Garrigues.

"Medina Garrigues will be difficult, all the Spanish are good on red clay," Dechy said. "I feel I can do well."