Maria Sharapova happy with semi-final win

Defending champion Maria Sharapova has admitted that she was happy with her performance in today's French Open semi-final.

The Russian beat Victoria Azarenka 6-1 2-6 6-4 to reach her second consecutive final at Rolland Garros.

She said that it was special to be in the final again, and revealed her happiness at serving out the match having lost four match points in her previous service game.

"To come back as the defending champion, it's extremely special," said Sharapova.

"Despite having those match points and not taking advantage of them, I was happy with the way I came out at 5-4 [in the third set] and served it out.

"That was really important."

Sharapova will face Serena Williams in Saturday's final, after the American beat Sara Errani 6-0 6-1.