SWEET REVENGE: Venus Williams torched Ana Ivanovic 6-2 6-1 to set up a QF meeting with Flavia Pennetta in Dubai. The Serb got the better of Venus at the start of the year, winning the Auckland final in 3 tough sets. Today, no such luck as Williams overpowered her from start to finish.  

Since being diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, Venus Williams has often followed impressive wins with complete duds. Her first round mauling of Elena Vesnina would have, in years past, announced her as a serious contender in Dubai. But, with this incarnation of Williams, it’s a day by day model of doing business.

Perhaps Ivanovic was hindered by having played a tough 3-set match the day before against Angelique Kerber? Maybe Venus was just too strong today? A combination of both? Regardless, it’s now two convincing wins in a row for V - she continues to look healthy and seems to be gaining confidence.

The Dubai draw is now wide open. Radwanska and Kvitova both crashed out today, leaving the following quarterfinal match-ups:

Serena v Jankovic

Suarez Navarro v Cornet

Wozniacki v Cirstea

Venus v Pennetta

V is 3-4 lifetime against Pennetta, and precisely the kind of opponent that has given her trouble in the past - scrappy, solid from the ground, and who will defend for days. Still, the next two matches are very winnable. It’s so hard to not look ahead to a potential all Williams final. 

Check out highlights of the match here.