Safina makes semis; only one spot left for women

Dinara Safina is now just two wins away from matching her brother with a U.S. Open title of her own.

Eight years after Marat Safin won the U.S. Open championship, his little sister has advanced to the semifinal round of this tournament for the first time in her career.

Safina, who is seeded sixth, cruised in her quarterfinal match this afternoon, defeating No. 16 Flavia Pennetta, 6-2, 6-3, at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Safina will play the winner of the Serena and Venus Williams match, which takes place this evening. In the other bracket, fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva will face No. 2 Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals.

Safina’s brother, Marat, lost last week in the second round.