BERLIN -- Jennifer Capriati and Kim Clijsters won in
straight sets Friday, advancing to a semifinals of the German Open
and setting up a rematch of the 2001 French Open final.
The fourth-seeded Capriati struggled in the second set, but beat
Elena Likhovtseva of Russia 6-3, 6-3 in damp and dark conditions.
The top-seeded Clijsters won the first seven games of her
quarterfinal and beat Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-0, 6-3 in 54
minutes.
After winning the first set, Capriati charged to a 4-1 lead in
the second before Likhovtseva closed within 4-3. Capriati fought
off four break points and won the match when Likhovtseva netted a
backhand.
Capriati has not dropped a set in her first three matches on the
clay this season as she prepares for French Open later this month.
"It's a good sign to still be able to play well today,''
Capriati said. "That's Europe. You have to be able to cope with
the conditions. You just have to have patience and don't let them
frustrate you.''
Clijsters is winless in three matches against Capriati, the most
noteworthy coming at Roland Garros in 2001, where Capriati won 1-6,
6-4, 12-10 in the longest third set of any French Open women's
final.
Capriati is looking forward to her semifinal showdown.
"Clijsters is the favorite,'' Capriati said. "She's had a good
run, both this year and at the end of last year.
"We've played some good matches, and of course the one great
match. We've always have sort of dogfights when we play. It's
fun.''
Clijsters, who has been practicing with Capriati, expects a
tough semifinal match.
"I'll have to play better to beat her,'' the Belgian said.
"I've been playing well, but there's still things I need to
improve on.
"You still have to play your own game.''
Clijsters can reclaim the No. 2 ranking from Venus Williams by
winning the $1.2 million tournament or by reaching the final,
depending on the ranking of her opponents.