Sharapova aiming to set the record straight

Maria Sharapova has promised Serena Williams a new challenge in the French Open final tomorrow as she bids to end a nine-year losing streak.

The world’s top two players reached the final in contrasting fashion yesterday, with Sharapova battling for two hours and 10 minutes to see off Victoria Azarenka 6-1 2-6 6-4.

Williams, meanwhile, routed last year’s runner-up Sara Errani 6-0 6-1 in only 46 minutes to reach her first final at Roland Garros since she won her only title in 2002.