Li Na reaches French Open final

PARIS (AP) — Li Na is back in a Grand Slam final, reaching her second straight major championship match by defeating Maria Sharapova 6-4, 7-5 today in the French Open semifinals.

The Australian Open runner-up, who became the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final this year in Melbourne, was able to chase down nearly everything Sharapova had to offer on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The wind was a factor yet again at Roland Garros, and Sharapova's serve suffered because of it. The seventh-seeded Russian had 10 double-faults in the match, including on match point. Sharapova was attempting to become only the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam.

"She has a huge and big serve, so I was like: 'Please, double-fault. That way I can win the match,'" Li said. "I never believe myself I can be in final in French Open. I wish I can do even better on Saturday."

Li finished with 24 winners, twice as many as Sharapova, and saved eight of 11 break points.