French Open 2013: Serena Williams advances to finals

Serena Williams

Serena Williams reached the French Open final for the first time since 2002 when she beat Sara Errani 6-0, 6-1 Thursday.

The No. 1-ranked Williams’ opponent Saturday will be defending champion Maria Sharapova, who defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.

Against Errani, the runner-up last year, Williams took control by winning 26 of 34 points in the opening set. The match was 37 minutes old before Errani won a game, and the crowd responded with a roar as the Italian raised her arms in mock jubilation.

Williams was undeterred and extended her career-best winning streak to 30 consecutive matches. She improved to 20-3 in major semifinals.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion won her only Roland Garros title 11 years ago, beating sister Venus in the final.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press