Finally in Paris final

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Published time: June 07, 2012 18:18
Edited time: June 07, 2012 22:18

Maria Sharapova gave fourth-seeded Petra Kvitova no chance, dismantling the Czech in straight sets to reach her first French Open final.

The Russian had no intention of missing an opportunity to make it to the Paris final for the first time. And she did just what was needed, cracking her opponent three times during the match, breezing to a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

“Finally I’m in the Roland Garros final,” the Russian said afterwards, having lost her two previous Roland Garros semifinals.

Sharapova will take the surprise package Sara Errani of Italy with a chance to add to the major championships she won at Wimbledon in 2004, the U.S. Open in 2006, and the Australian Open in 2008, thus becoming the 10th woman with a career Grand Slam.

Sharapova lost to Kvitova in last year's Wimbledon final, and to Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open final in January. That propelled Azarenka to No. 1, but Sharapova will return to that spot for the first time since 2008 no matter what happens Saturday.