Francesca Schiavone will play Samantha Stosur in this years French Open final,the latest surprise in a week full of them at Roland Garros. The 17th-seeded Schiavone became the first Italian woman to reach a major final when opponent Elena Dementieva unexpectedly retired from their semi-final with a left calf injury after losing the first set 7-6 (3) on Thursday. Stosur then became the first Australian woman in 30 years to reach a Grand Slam final by drubbing former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic 6-1 6-2. Stosur won with the same big serve and booming forehand that helped her upset four-time French Open champion Justine Henin and 12-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week. The two semi-finals lasted barely two hours between them,and the first match ended abruptly. After Dementieva lost the first set,she walked up to Schiavone in her changeover chair and extended a hand in concession. For a moment,I didnt understand whats going on, Schiavone said. The Italian then fell to her knees to kiss the court in a reprise of her quarterfinal celebration,and rose with a clay-caked grin. The 29-year-old Schiavone is the first Italian to reach a Grand Slam final since Adriano Panatta won the 1976 Roland Garros mens title. She had never previously advanced beyond the quarterfinals in a Grand Slam. Ive already made history for my country, she said. In Italy,also,they are very happy,and is time to enjoy for us,for everybody. While Italians celebrated,Dementieva sobbed before heading for the exit. Its the first time in the Open era that a woman retired in a semi-final or final at Roland Garros. The Russian said she suffered a tear in her calf in the second round,and she nearly retired during a match last week. It was very painful to even walk, Dementieva said. It was a bit too much. I couldnt really move on the court. The second match was even shorter than the first. Stosur became the first Australian woman to reach a Grand Slam final since Wendy Turnbull,the runner-up at the 1980 Australian Open. I cant believe Im here, Stosur said. It wasnt easy to get here. Im very pleased. She began with the same confidence she showed in her earlier upsets,and after falling behind 2-0 in the second set,swept the final six games.
