Hollywood, FL 6/3/2011 7:22:36 AM
Francesca Schiavone Defeats Marion Bartoli at French Open
Italian Tennis Player Advances to Frecnh Open Final
Italian tennis player Francesca Schiavone advanced to the French Open Finals on Thursday by defeating French player Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-3.
Schiavone, who became the first Italian woman to win a women's Grand Slam singles title last year by winning the French Open, is excited to be back on the clay at Roland Garros.
"When I was young, I always dreamed (about) this tournament, so maybe (it) is coming from a long, long time ago," said Schiavone. "When I come here, I feel something special. That's all."
Schiavone delivered an impressive performance, winning the last four games of the match and breaking Bartoli at love during the final game.
"It was extremely windy, and I think she used those conditions extremely well," said Bartoli. "She really played smart tennis, and at the end she was a bit too tough."
Schiavone will face Chinese tennis star Li Na in the finals. Na defeated Maria Sharapova of Russia 6-4, 7-5 to advance to her second straight Grand Slam Final.
(Sources: Associated Press)
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