Battling Kuznetsova has final say
The Russian had been a set and 5-4 down, facing the Vaidisova serve, but managed to turn the match around and won through 5-7 7-6 (7/5) 6-2 after two hours and 31 minutes of an intriguing contest against the 17-year-old Czech.
“My experience helped me a lot,” added Kuznetsova.
“I had played on a centre court before. I knew that I could turn the match around. I just had to change my tactics and I held on.”
Vaidisova looked in control but crumbled when it mattered most.
“She was doing very well but she did not know which tactics to use against me,” Kuznetsova, the 2004 US Open champion, added.
“I played against her in Wimbledon last year but she has improved a lot since and she hits the ball very hard.”
Kuznetsova’s previous best at Roland Garros was a place in the last 16 in both 2004 and 2005. “I am so happy, being in the French Open final is a dream,” she said.
Vaidisova attempted to be positive after her first grand slam semi final ended in disappointment.
“I had my chances but things like that happen, there was no fear of winning today for me,” she said.
“I am very happy to have reached the semi final. Of course I am disappointed because I love to win and hate to lose.
“But it’s not as if I had any match point. I will take that experience into my next tournament.”
Henin-Hardenne, a two-time winner and defending champion, was a surprisingly easy winner against compatriot Kim Clijsters.
In a repeat of the 2003 Roland Garros final, it was again Henin-Hardenne who came out on top, winning 6-3 6-2.
“I served very well and did not tremble,” said Henin-Hardenne.
“I am still in the race to win my third French Open title and I don’t want to relax my attention.
“There is a big clash awaiting me on Saturday.”
Clijsters praised her opponent, saying: “I think she’s by far the best clay court player.
“What the difference is between her and any other player, is that she just moves so well.
“I felt like a lot of the time in the rallies, I was dominating the points, but I just couldn’t finish them off.
“I knew that was going to happen because I know she’s a player who defends incredibly well out there on clay.”
