Serena Sizzles, Venus Flames and Ana’s Back in Rome

It’s turning out to be an eventful women’s tournament in Rome. Top seed Serena Williams continues to dominate after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Maria Kirelenko today in the quarterfinals. ADHEREL

But sister Venus wasn’t as fortunately getting drubbed by Jelena Jankovic 6-0, 6-1.

“I still cannot believe I won like that,” Jankovic said. “It’s a really huge win. I didn’t expect a match like this because usually we play such tough matches and we go to three sets almost all the time. It’s great for my confidence.”

Jankovic now meets Serena in Friday’s semifinals. The two have played seven times (never on clay) before, with Williams leading the series, 4-3, and winning their last two meetings.

The suddenly resurgent Ana Ivanovic booked her semifinal spot with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Nadia Petrova. Ivanovic, who beat Elena Dementieva on Wednesday. The former No. 1 meets Spain’s Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the second semifinal.

“I’ve been cutting down on the errors and fighting on every point,” Ivanovic said after her win over Dementieva, her first win in their five career meetings. “I’m going out there and trying to have fun, just playing each point the best I can.

“I’ve been working hard for a few months. I’ve played well in practice, but now it’s really starting to show in matches.”