Williams and Wozniacki reach Auckland semifinals

Top-seed Serena Williams struggled with a swirling breeze before beating Germany's Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-3 Friday to reach semifinals of ASB Classic. As was case with her three-set win over Christina McHale in second round, Williams was never fully in control of match. She came from a break down in second set to win in just under 90 minutes.

But she was able to step up at crucial times. Williams h five break point chances and converted three. Siegemund h seven and converted one. Siegemund, who beat American teenr Coco Gauff in second round, stretched Williams with her variety and placement but couldn't match Williams' power from baseline.

"She was an incredibly tricky player and conditions really didn't help," Williams said. "But, oh my God, it's good to get through that. " body's feeling great. I came in here before tournament last year and said I wanted to play singles and doubles here. So I'm happy, I knew what I was going to be up against and I'm happy to still be in tournament."

Caroline Wozniacki progressed to semifinals with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over two-time defending champion Julia Goerges of Germany.

"I've h so many tough matches against Julia in past and I knew this one was going to be tough as well," Wozniacki said. "I've been serving well this week so hopefully it can continue."

Wozniacki's semifinal opponent will be Jessica Pegula of United States who beat Alize Cornet of France 6-0, 3-2. Cornet was forced to withdraw with a thigh muscle strain.