DUBAI: Alize Cornet scored her first career victory over a No. 1 player when she upset Serena Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the Dubai Championships semifinals.

The 26th-ranked Cornet’s win ruined the chances of a first all-Williams final anywhere since 2009.

Venus Williams defeated eighth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-2 earlier.

Cornet, looking for her fourth career title, won the first set when Williams flinched when serving in the ninth game.

Cornet took advantage of her one set point in the 10th game with a winning backhand down the line.

The Frenchwoman jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second set but Williams stormed back.

Cornet broke Williams’ serve again in the seventh game with a winning forehand down the line.

Williams saved four match points on her own serve in the ninth game, but Cornet served out the match at love.

KR Desk