PARIS — Lucie Safarova triumphed over her nerves Thursday, Serena Williams over her health.
Now, they will meet in the French Open final.
It is an unexpected matchup for Williams, the undisputed No. 1 player, as she takes aim at her 20th Grand Slam singles title.
But Safarova, a Czech veteran who will be playing in her first major final at the advanced tennis age of 28, has certainly earned her spot.
Seeded No. 13, Safarova has made her own luck at Roland Garros, sweeping through a brutal draw without the loss of a set.