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Madrid Open Latest

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Simona Halep of Romania beat Ana Ivanovic in the quarter finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Ivanovic, a semi-finalist in last year's tournament, was outclassed by Halep, eventually losing in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

Halep will face former Petra Kvitova in the last four after top seed Serena Williams withdrew through injury before their quarter-final clash.

Elsewhere Agnieszka Radwanska also advanced to the semi-finals following a three set win over Carolina Garcia.

Radwanska, seeded third in Madrid won the first set 6-4, before the world number 51 Garcia took the second 6-4.

But the Pole broke Garcia again in the opening game of the deciding set and went on to complete a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory to set up a meeting with Maria Sharapova.

Both Halep and Radwanska will know the importance of reaching the final in Madrid, as the French Open draws ever closer in the calender.