Jankovic stuns Williams

A fatigued Sharapova, chasing a second successive WTA Tour title, went down 7-5 6-2 to fellow Russian Elena Dementieva while Williams, playing her third event of the year because of a knee injury, lost 6-4 6-3 to Serbian Jelena Jankovic.

The 21-year-old Jankovic, who beat Williams when the pair met for the second time in Dubai last year, clinched the opening set by breaking her opponent in the 10th game before the American was warned for racket abuse.

Refusing to be intimidated by the power of Williams, the Serb returned superbly, was rock-solid at the net and controlled most of the rallies from the baseline.

Although severely tested by Williams on her own serve, Jankovic broke the American again in the fourth game of the second set to pave the way for victory.

Former world number one Williams, making a series of uncharacteristic unforced errors, was never able to get back into the match and the Serb held serve out to love to book her place in Sunday's final.

"I was surprised with what I got back today, but I knew that's what I had to do against Serena because she hits the ball so hard," 16th-seeded Jankovic told reporters.

"I took the ball quite early and handled her power pretty well. I think that made the difference. I wasn't scared at all."

Despite losing, Williams was satisfied with her week.

"I still believe I'm going in the right direction," said the seven-times grand slam champion, who is projected to rise from 110 in the rankings to around 75 on Monday.

"It's only my second tournament for some time and I'm definitely doing better than I was my first week back."