Samantha Stosur is aiming for revenge against Jelena Jankovic when they meet at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Thursday.

Jankovic defeated the Australian in the quarter-finals of the same event in 2011.

The Serbian's three-set victory was the last time the two players met and with the pair clashing at the same stage of the event again in 2012, Stosur is looking to book her spot in the last four.

"We haven't played each other since the quarter-finals here last year, so it's a good chance for me to try and bounce back from that loss that I had against her," Stosur said after her quarter-final win against Lucie Safarova on Wednesday.

"I think it's pretty different to tonight. She runs very well, moves very well, has got a good backhand. It's one of those matches where I think I've got to step up, play aggressive."

"I realise that she's probably not going to make too many errors, but I've got to take my chances when I see them. Again it will be good if I can serve well and put some pressure on her serve."

Jankovic – who beat Italian Flavia Pennetta to reach the quarter-finals – is also planning on taking an aggressive mindset into the match.

"I still have to go on the court and play well if I want to win," Jankovic said.

"I have to stay on top of the baseline and try to play as aggressively as I can, but within limits - and play at the highest level."

"There are so many great girls playing tennis at a high level, so every match is going to be very difficult."