(February 21, 2013) DUBAI UAE- Roberta Vinci reached the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Thursday when she upset seventh seeded Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-4.

Stosur struggled right from the start, dropping her serve in the opening game after leading 40-15. She then failed to convert a break point to level at 2-2 and was caught off-balance when Vinci attempted to lob her and put a forehand long to fall behind 5-2.

After Vinci served out the first set Stosur staged a brief fightback in the second to lead 2-0. But Vinci immediately broke back and a further break for 4-3 left her firmly in control.

The victory was her second over a top 10 opponent this week after her earlier win over Angelique Kerber, and this week is the first time she has beaten any top 10 opposition since she overcame Agnieszka Radwanska at the 2012 US Open.

“It was a great match for me, great performance,” said Vinci. “I play a good game also today like yesterday. I play aggressive, I play so good. I spoke with my coach to play more aggressive especially when I serve and also try to return. She has a great serve, great kick serve. For me was difficult to return because I have also one‑hand backhand, but I play good.”

Later on Thursday, Sara Errani plays Nadia Petrova, 2011 Dubai winner Caroline Wozniacki plays Marion Bartoli and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska plays 2011 Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova.