Simona Halep reaches first career Slam final at Roland Garros

Fourth-ranked Simona Halep continued her straight-sets victories at Roland Garros with a 6-2, 7-6 win over Andrea Petkovic in the semifinals on Thursday. Her reward is a first Grand Slam final appearance and will next face Russia’s Maria Sharapova for this title on Saturday.

“I’m very emotional and I feel amazing now knowing I will play the final here in Paris,” Halep said. “Andrea was very tough and she is a good player, but I was a little bit stronger in the end and am so happy to get through.

“I tried my best and did everything I could to win this match and want to thank everyone here today, because you all helped me win. I have a lot of confidence in myself and am looking forward to the final now and hopefully playing another good match.”

Halep is hoping to match the achievement by her manager Virginia Ruzici who won the French Open title 36 years ago.

Halep’s ranking will rise to yet another career high of number three on Monday regardless of what the results of the final will be on Saturday.

The Romanian trails 0-3 in the head to head series against Sharapova. Their last meeting was at last month’s Madrid Open final where Sharapova won in three sets.

“In Madrid I played really well, but in the second set I changed my style and was behind the baseline too much. I have to be aggressive against Maria. She’s a great player, so I’ll try my best and hopefully it will be a good enough!”