Live Commentary: French Open: Maria Sharapova vs. Victoria Azarenka - as it happened

Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka met in this year's first women's French Open semi-final on Thursday afternoon.

Azarenka had never previously progressed beyond the last four in the Paris Grand Slam, while Sharapova was looking to retain the title that she won 12 months ago.

These pair of former world number ones, who are currently ranked second and third respectively by the WTA, are two of the biggest rivals in the modern game.

They met in four finals last year, three of which were won by Azarenka.

Find out how this match unfolded below with Sports Mole's blow-by-blow text coverage.

5.25pmThat's it for this one. However, the second semi-final, between Serena Williams and Sara Errani, will start shortly. Follow the match live with Sports Mole's text coverage by clicking here to find out who will take on Sharapova for a place in the history books.

5.06pmSharapova converted three out of four break points in the decider, while her opponent was two from six.

5.05pmShe may not have been at her best today, but Sharapova's stats in the final set, which lasted 63 minutes, were certainly symmetrical. She made seven aces and seven double faults, while hitting 22 winners and 22 unforced errors.

5.02pmSpeaking courtside after her win, the victorious Sharapova says: "I really had to fight until the end and I am delighted to have come through. The French Open is very special to me."

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 6-4 AzarenkaGAME SET AND MATCH SHARAPOVA: The second seed holds her nerve and serves out to love to progress to her second successive final at Roland Garros.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-4 AzarenkaAnd she does - with ease! Azarenka holds to love to pile pressure on Sharapova, who, after wasting four match points in her last service game, will now again attempt to serve for a place in Saturday's final.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 5-3* AzarenkaAzarenka has lost each of her last three service games, but she must now end that run if she is to remain in this year's French Open.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 5-3* AzarenkaBREAK: Another double fault from Sharapova. Total capitulation from the Russian.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-2 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: This is not over yet! Brave hitting sees Azarenka stay alive in the match, before yet another double fault brings about break point.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-2 AzarenkaMATCH POINT SHARAPOVA: A big first serve is too good for Azarenka as Sharapova saves the break point. Momentum continues with the Russian, who hammers a forehand winner into the corner to create match point number four.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-2 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Sharapova wastes three match points with two poor slices into the net followed by a wide double-handed backhand. She then fires long with a forehand to give Azarenka a sniff of a comeback.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-2 AzarenkaMATCH POINT SHARAPOVA:The world number two falls 0-30 behind, but responds by producing championship-winning tennis to reel off three consecutive points.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *5-2 AzarenkaBREAK: A third consecutive unforced error sees Azarenka forfeit game seven. The Belarusian has handed in her notice. This should be over very shortly.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 4-2* AzarenkaTWO BREAK POINTS:The end is nigh. Azarenka loses her grip during a couple of lengthy exchanges and goes long on both points. 15-40.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 4-2* AzarenkaFor the first time in four games on Philippe Chatrier, we have had a hold of serve. Sharapova double faults again, but she makes amends and holds to 40 for a 4-2 lead.

4.33pmOver on Court Suzanne Lenglen, the Bryan brothers have beaten Peya and Soares 6-1 6-4.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *3-2 AzarenkaBREAK: Great defence by Azarenka, but it is not enough as Sharapova finds the line again and again. It eventually proves too much for the Belarusian, who expressed her dismay with a loud cry of frustration.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 2-2* AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Sharapova forgets her recent nightmare and, straight away, gets on top on her opponent's serve. 30-40.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 2-2* AzarenkaBREAK: Sharapova double faults for the fourth time in the game, which is finally taken by Azarenka, who levels the final set at two games each.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Deja vu, as another Sharapova miss brings about a third break point for Azarenka in game four.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaBack to deuce. Sharapova serves big in the ad court. Azarenka's short return is full of back spin, but the Russian does well to put it away at the net.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Another chance for Azarenka, as Sharapova's forehand misfires.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaThis is a real Jekyll and Hyde game from Sharapova, who comes up with another double fault to take us back to deuce.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaSharapova bangs in two huge aces and, all of a sudden, she is on the brink of a 3-1 lead.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Sharapova levels the game at 30-30, but she then swings a wayward backhand two yards wide. 30-40.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaSharapova produces back-to-back double faults, her fifth and sixth of the match, as the score changes from 15-0 to 15-30.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *2-1 AzarenkaBREAK: Sharapova converts in style. The Russian works a terrific angle to force Azarenka wide of the deuce court. She then sprints to the net and punishes her opponent with an unstoppable cross-court volley.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 1-1* AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Azarenka fights back from 0-30 to level at 30-30. However, Sharapova continues her assault and is rewarded with her second break point of the final set.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 1-1* AzarenkaSharapova raises the intensity of her power hitting as she recovers from 15-30 to hold to 30.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 *0-1 AzarenkaBig hold for Azarenka! Sharapova's backhand lets her down as break point comes and goes. Two more errors then gift the game to the world number three.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 0-0* AzarenkaBREAK POINT: Sharapova keeps calm and regains her advantage in the game with some simply unanswerable tennis.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 0-0* AzarenkaMissed opportunity for Sharapova, as she attacks a slow second serve but drives it straight into the net. 40-30.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 0-0* AzarenkaGreat response from Sharapova. Two thunderous forehand winners see her turn the game on its head. 15-30.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 0-0* AzarenkaGood start from Azarenka, who shows good touch to execute a perfect drop shot and move 15-0 ahead.

3.55pmThe warm-up is over and play will now resume. Azarenka will serve to get the deciding set underway.

3.47pmI think that this match will depend entirely on Sharapova. If she is able to implement her attacking game, she will win. If not, Azarenka will progress, as the Belarusian possesses the stronger defensive skills.

3.43pmThe fans have returned to court, the lines people and umpire have also returned. We are just waiting for the players to emerge now.

3.38pmThe covers are being removed on Court Philippe Chatrier, where play between Sharapova and Azarenka should resume imminently.

3.35pmThe American duo are on course to face Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut in the final, after the French pair beat Pablo Cuevas and Horacio Zeballos 7-6 6-2 earlier this afternoon.

3.34pmPlay has also been interrupted on Court Suzanne Lenglen, where Bob and Mike Bryan have taken the first set 6-1 against Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares in the day's second men's doubles semi-final.

3.31pmThis pause in play will certainly benefit Sharapova, who was beginning to lose her composure, especially after her disagreement with the umpire. The momentum was strongly with Azarenka, but I think that may soon change once play restarts.

3.29pmThe covers are on.

3.28pmRAIN! It's raining properly now and the players are leaving court. The delay should last no longer than 15 minutes, as the storm looks like it is only passing by.

Sharapova 6-1 2-6 0-0* AzarenkaSET AZARENKA: Well, well, well. This did not appear to be on the cards 40 minutes ago. Azarenka breaks to 30 and levels the match at one set all.

Sharapova 6-1 *2-5 AzarenkaTWO SET POINTS AZARENKA: Sharapova is furious. A floated forehand from Azarenka appears to drift long, but, after inspecting the splash mark, Alves says that it just caught the line. I'm not convinced that it did and nor is Sharapova, who is now down 15-40.

Sharapova 6-1 *2-5 AzarenkaRAIN! There is a light shower of rain coming down and Sharapova wants to go off court. However, umpire Mariana Alves insists that the weather will improve very soon so play continues.

Sharapova 6-1 *2-5 AzarenkaA brave drop shot from Azarenka brings her back into the game at 15-30. She then wins the following three points in double-quick time to hold and extend her lead in the set to 5-2.

Sharapova 6-1 2-4* AzarenkaSharapova really does not want a third set today. She looks extremely motivated as she powers her way to 0-30.

Sharapova 6-1 2-4* AzarenkaBREAK: Azarenka forces Sharapova backwards with two punishing forehands and the Russian finds the net.

Sharapova 6-1 *2-3 AzarenkaBREAK POINT: First break point of the second set goes to Azarenka, who, at 30-30, produces three stunning shots that just catch the sideline. The third proves to be too good for the Russian.

Sharapova 6-1 *2-3 AzarenkaAzarenka responds in kind with a love service hold of her own.

Sharapova 6-1 2-2* AzarenkaEasy hold for Sharapova. Three big first serves see her race into a 40-0 lead. Azarenka then fails to punish a rare second serve, as she fires wide from well inside the baseline on the ad court.

Sharapova 6-1 *1-2 AzarenkaBig hold for Azarenka, who secures her second service game with a precise ace that skids off the T.

Sharapova 6-1 1-1* AzarenkaThe Russian channels her frustration to great effect, as she makes two devastating forehands to force the game to deuce. Azarenka under pressure again...

Sharapova 6-1 1-1* Azarenka40-15. A lucky net cord brings about two game points for Azarenka. Sharapova looks angry...

Sharapova 6-1 1-1* AzarenkaSharapova is playing beautifully. She holds to 30 to level the second set at one game all. The fans seem to be on the side of the Russian, however the ease with which she is getting the job done has left them somewhat subdued.

Sharapova 6-1 *0-1 AzarenkaAzarenka holds to 15 thanks to some wayward striking by her opponent.

Sharapova 6-1 0-0* AzarenkaAfter breaking to love in the opening game, Azarenka was only able to win seven out of the next 31 points. She needs to work out how to win points on her own serve, starting now as she looks to get the second set underway.

Sharapova 6-1 0-0* AzarenkaSET SHARAPOVA: The Russian holds to 15 to take the opening set inside 28 minutes.

Sharapova *5-1 AzarenkaBREAK: Sharapova secures consecutive breaks to love as her opponent plunders another baseline forehand low into the net. The Russian will now serve for the set.

Sharapova 4-1* AzarenkaTHREE BREAK POINTS: The momentum is well and truly with Sharapova, who comes up with a delicious lobbed winner followed by an unstoppable forehand down the line. 0-40

Sharapova 4-1* AzarenkaSharapova holds to 15. The match is 21 minutes old.

Sharapova *3-1 AzarenkaWorrying news for Azarenka... Sharapova is beginning to serve well. Two big first serves, including her first ace, help the Russian take control of game five.

Sharapova *3-1 AzarenkaBREAK: Sharapova extends her winning streak to three games, as Azarenka's cross-court forehand clips the top of the net and drifts wide.

Sharapova 2-1* AzarenkaTHREE BREAK POINTS: I am certainly glad that I am not a French tennis ball today. The poor things are getting absolutely pummelled. Right now, it is Sharapova who is dominating the powerful exchanges. 0-40.

Sharapova 2-1* AzarenkaSharapova has only made two out of 10 first serves so far, but she manages to dig deep and hold to 30.

Sharapova *1-1 AzarenkaBREAK: Great fightback by Azarenka, who forces the game to deuce with some ultra-agressive hitting. However, the Belarusian then makes two sloppy errors to hand the game to Sharapova.

Sharapova 0-1* AzarenkaTHREE BREAK POINTS: Her service game was dreadful, but Sharapova is quickly making amends with some outstanding ground strokes. She has three chances to level...

Sharapova 0-1* AzarenkaBREAK: Awful start by Sharapova, as she comes up with two more unforced errors to hand her opponent the first game to love.

Sharapova *0-0 AzarenkaShaky Sharapova delivers a double fault. 0-30.

Sharapova *0-0 AzarenkaAzarenka wins the first point in style. After taking command of the rally with a deep return on second serve, the Belarusian produces a sublime drop shot to draw her opponent to the net. She then finishes the point with a powerful cross-court volley.

2.13pmTime is called and Sharapova will serve first. Game on...

2.09pmPREDICTION: The neutral should probably support Azarenka, as her game is better set up to test Serena Williams (presuming she overcomes Sara Errani later today) in the final, however I think Sharapova will sneak a win in three sets. Warning, it's going to be noisy!

2.05pmChatrier is packed close to full capacity as the players finally make their way into the arena five minutes behind schedule. Play should commence in about five more minutes, after the formalities of the warm-ups have been completed.

2.01pmThis is just the second clay match between the two. The first was won by Sharapova in the last eight of the Rome Masters in 2011, when Azarenka was forced to retire midway through the second set, after winning the first 6-4.

1.58pmSharapova has beaten Azarenka in seven of their 12 meetings, however the last three matches between the duo have all been won by Azarenka.

1.56pmThe bookmakers have struggled to split Sharapova and Azarenka ahead of this upcoming clash. BetFred, Ladbrokes and William Hill have the Russian as a narrow 4-5 favourite, while the Belarusian is even money in all of the high street vendors.

1.53pmThe first match of the day on Court Philippe Chatrier has just finished with Lucie Hradecka and Frantisek Cermak triumphing in the final of the mixed doubles. The Czech pair overcame fifth seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Daniel Nestor 1-6 6-4 10-6.

1.50pmGreetings and welcome to Paris, where the sky is clear and play is on course to begin on schedule at 2pm (UK time).

Live Commentary: French Open: Maria Sharapova vs. Victoria Azarenka - as it happened

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