Sharapova beats Bouchard to reach French Open for third straight year

Former world number one Maria Sharapova battled back from a set down to defeat Canada's Eugenie Bouchard 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 to make it to the French Open final for the third straight year.

The Russian ace won the three0set match for a 19th time in a row on clay, dating back reportedly to a loss against Justine Henin at Roland Garros in 2010.

According to Sport24, Sharapova will face Simona Halep, who became the first Romanian



woman to reach the Grand Slam final in 34 years after defeating Germany's Andrea Petkovic in the French Open semifinals, on Saturday for the final battle.

Sharapova said that Bouchard played an unbelievable match, adding that the Canadian's level was extremely high during the clash and she is just fortunate to be the winner.

Sharapova added that she would prefer to win in two sets, but Bouchard started so well, and it was tough losing the first set, but she fought and scrambled and found a way to win.

Meanwhile, Bouchard said that she had her chances of making it to her first Grand Slam final but had been unable to take them, adding that it was a difficult match for her and she was really close to winning it, but it was not enough. (ANI)