Defending champion Venus Williams has defeated Shahar Peer 6-1, 6-4 in the Dubai semifinals, ending Peer's unseeded run.

"I am sure I will remember this tournament for the rest of my life.

"Unfortunately I couldn't manage to win it, which will be my dream. But there will be no complaints, I achieved a lot in this tournament, professionally and mentally and for myself.

"I am sure for Venus it was not ideal to come to Court 2 and I told her afterwards that I really appreciated her support... She understands, she has a good heart."