NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- In her third try, Lindsay Davenport finally figured out Amelie Mauresmo and advanced to the semifinals of the Pilot Pen with a 6-1, 6-2 victory Thursday night.

Mauresmo held a 2-0 edge in their brief series, including a semifinal upset in the Australian Open this year. The top-seeded Davenport gave the hard-hitting Frenchwoman little opportunity for a repeat.

"It was one of the best matches I've played in the last few months. I've been trying to play very aggressive," Davenport said.

Davenport said her game plan, a week before defense of her U.S. Open title, is starting to come together.

"Going into the U.S. Open, I really want to take short balls, come in and hit second serve and go for winners," she said.

After losing the first game of the opening set, Davenport went on a six-game tear featuring crisp returns from the baseline and a solid service game.

"She was following almost each return at the net so it was very difficult for me," Mauresmo said.

Davenport broke Mauresmo's serve for the match and battled through two deuces. She won when Mauresmo's forehand volley sailed long.

"It's obviously great to get a win over someone you've never beaten. She's a very tough player," Davenport said. "I thought I did exactly what I needed to do tonight."