Fighting Sharapova battles back

Maria Sharapova said she is proud of the fighting spirit that has carried her to a third successive French Open final.

The Russian, who won the title in 2012 and lost to Serena Williams 12 months ago, recovered from a set down for the third straight match to beat 20-year-old Eugenie Bouchard 4-6 7-5 6-2 yesterday.

In the final she will face first timer Simona Halep, who has not dropped a set this tournament and defeated Andrea Petkovic 6-2 7-6 (7/4).