Razzano continues run at Eastbourne

Virginie Razzano followed up her defeat of top-seeded Elena Dementieva by beating defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (5), 7-5 to reach the semifinals of the Eastbourne Championships on Thursday.

Razzano had to fight hard against Radwanska, who was keen to defend her title.

Although Razzano broke to lead 6-5 in the first, she was unable to serve out the set but then claimed the tiebreaker.

In the second set, she broke to lead 3-1, was broken as she served for the match at 5-3 and then failed to convert three match points on Radwanska's serve at 5-4.

She eventually secured victory on her fifth match point, breaking for 7-5 when a dropshot from Radwanska fell short.

"It was a very close match, a tough match," said Razzano. "She's a great player and you need to play your best to beat her. I won because I was aggressive against her and was mentally strong and could see my chances."

A French finalist was guaranteed as Marion Bartoli defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-1, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Razzano.

Caroline Wozniacki is the only seed remaining in the women's draw after the sixth-seeded Dane swept past Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 6-2.

"I thought I played a good match and I broke her early, especially in the second set, and had the advantage from there. I love coming back to grass every year, and even though it's only a short period of time on grass I feel I adapt really fast," Wozniacki said.

"I've been serving really well this week. I've made a lot of aces and a lot of serving winners, and I think that helps."

Wozniacki will next face Aleksandra Wozniak, who took just 45 minutes to oust former-finalist Vera Dushevina 6-1, 6-0.

On the men's side, qualifier Frank Dancevic was the first to reach the quarterfinals when he outlasted Leonardo Mayer 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5.

AP