Bartoli into Paris decider
02/11/2012 10:16:07 PM
Marion Bartoli will meet Angelique Kerber in the Open GDF Suez final after they won their semi-finals in contrasting fashion on Sunday (Aus time).
Frenchwoman Bartoli overcame a slow start before easing past Czech Klara Zakopalova 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 in one hour and 21 minutes in Paris.
The second seed, who needed a stunning comeback to overcome Roberta Vinci in the last eight, fell behind 5-2 in the first set before recovering to force a tie-breaker, which she took over the world number 51 at the WTA Premier event.
Having given up that healthy lead, Zakopalova was unable to recover as Bartoli cruised through the second set to book a place in the decider.
Ninth seed Kerber needed two hours and 17 minutes before she finally overcame Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4.
The German victor created 18 break point chances and converted seven.
Bartoli will be searching for her eighth WTA Tour singles crown, while Kerber is aiming for her maiden title.