Serena upset by Cornet in Dubai semifinals; Venus waits in final after beating Wozniacki

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Venus Williams of the U.S. returns the ball to Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during a semi final match of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 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 on Friday.

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.

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