Serena Williams battles into French Open semi-finals

Serena Williams has beaten Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets to reach the semi-finals of the French Open.

The world number one eased to a 6-1 triumph in the first set, but Kuznetsova took advantage of some sloppy play from Williams to clinch the second 6-3.

The American then saved three break points at 0-2 down in the decider before fighting back to see off the 2009 champion 6-3.

Williams, who is looking to win a second title at Roland Garros, will meet Italian fifth seed Sara Errani in the last four of the competition.