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Reuters

Agence France-Presse in Paris

Lucie Safarova became the first Czech woman in 34 years to reach the French Open final after she fought back to topple 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 7-5 yesterday.
In the other semi-final, two-time champion and world number one Serena Williams battled illness and fierce heat to reach a third final, defeating Swiss outsider Timea Bacsinszky 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

The 33-year-old Williams' fightback means she has set up a Saturday final against Safarova where victory will put her just two grand slam titles behind Steffi Graf's Open record of 22.
It's a dream come true, I still cannot believe it
Lucie Safarova 
Just when it looked as if Safarova's title aspirations were floundering, the 13th seed shook off her jitters and unleashed her A game to pummel Ivanovic into submission.
"It's a dream come true, I still cannot believe it," said a jubilant Safarova, who will aim to become the first Czech to lift the Suzanne Lenglen trophy since Hana Mandlikova in 1981.
"I started too slowly, but I tried to pick up my level and started to play really aggressively because that was the only way to get the win."
With his girlfriend Ivanovic looking unstoppable at 5-2 up in the first set, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger held up two clenched fists to his face before swinging out his right arm to deliver a knock out punch.

The message from the players' box on Philippe Chatrier Court was clear for all to see - it was just too bad that Safarova decided to steal the idea.
The left-handed forehand that had looked rather ordinary during the first seven games suddenly caught fire, helping Safarova to win 20 of the last 26 points in the first set.
Ivanovic’s celebratory cries of hajde, Serbian for "come on", that had often reverberated around the arena during the first 30 minutes of the contest dried up as Safarova pocketed the first set when the seventh seed slapped a service return long.

However, for a player who was looking to reach her first grand slam final, keeping her nerves in check proved to be a task easier said than done.
After breaking in the third game of the second set, it seemed nothing could stop Safarova from setting up a final date with world number one Williams when she went up to serve for the match at 5-4.
The occasion, however, turned Safarova’s legs to jelly as first she gifted a break point with a double fault, and having survived that wobble, she then surrendered match point with another pair of misfired serves.
The dramatic nine-minute game featured a matchpoint, two double faults and four break points before Ivanovic finally struck to level at 5-5 when Safarova’s netcord bounced wide into the tramlines.
But Safarova was determined not to let the golden opportunity slip through her sweaty fingers on the hottest day of the championships and two games later, her bare upper back was caked in red clay as she marked her triumph with a celebratory roll. 

 


Andy Murray pays tribute to victims of London and Manchester attacks after victory

Ruthless Rafael Nadal storms into yet another French Open quarter-final as Caroline Wozniacki also shines

Stan-the-man Wawrinka shocks Novak Djokovic in stirring French Open final

Super Serena Williams seals 20th grand slam

French Open 2015

Lucie Safarova is first Czech woman in 34 years to reach French Open final 

A jubilant Lucie Safarova reacts after winning her semi-final against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 7-6, 7-5. Photos: EPA

Serena Williams suffered in the heat and from illness in her women's semi-final match against Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland, who put up a good fight. Photo: Reuters 

Ana Ivanovic reacts as she plays against Lucie Safarova on Philippe Chatrier Court.

Lucie Safarova has clay all over her after she rolled on the court following her semi-final victory. 

Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland argues with the chair umpire during her semi-final match against Serena Williams. Photo: Reuters 

Serena Williams celebrates after defeating Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland. Photo: Reuters 

Sport

Tennis

Jubilant 13th seed - who beat Ana Ivanovic 7-5,7-5 - will face Serena Williams on Saturday after American overcame heat and flu to defeat Swiss Timea Bacsinszky


Lucie Safarova shook off her jitters to gain the upper-hand over Ana Ivanovic, beating the 2008 champion 7-5, 7-5 in their semi-final match on Philippe Chatrier Court 
