Sloane Stephens books French Open final spot after beating Madison Keys
SLOANE STEPHENS has reached the French Open final after beating Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4.
In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors.
Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final.
Regardless of the result, 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American to break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006.
"It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said.
"This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime."
On facing Halep in Saturday’s final, Stephens said: “I’m expecting her to compete.
“Obviously she's No. 1 in the world. There is reason why she's in the finals.
“I can't give you a play-by-play on her game, but if you ask my coach he probably can.
“I think for myself I'll just have a good game plan and just try to execute the best I can when I go out there. It's just mainly about competing.
“No one is going to hand you the match. It's a Grand Slam final. You have to go out there and get after it and make sure you play every point and try to execute your game plan as best as possible.”