Capriati Drives Past Dokic Into French Semis

Jelena Dokic and Jennifer Capriati

Paris, FRANCE, June 4 (Reuters) - Defending champion Jennifer Capriati overcame stern opposition and a second-set scare to beat Yugoslav dynamo Jelena Dokic, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, Tuesday to reach the French Open.

There she will face third seed Serena Williams, who humbled 2000 champion Mary Pierce (news - profile - photos), 6-1, 6-1, earlier on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Top seed Capriati, who defended her Australian Open crown in January, comfortably out-hit seventh-seeded baseliner Dokic in the opening set, but then relinquished an early break as Dokic stormed back. The 19-year-old Yugoslav tied matters with some brave hitting from the baseline before Capriati seized control again, pummeling winners from the back-court.

Dokic double-faulted on match point to hand Capriati - cheered on by friend and "Friends" actor Matthew Perry - victory and a place in the semis.