Italian Francesca Schiavone continued her fine run at the 2012 Internationaux de Strasbourg on Friday, as she beat Sloane Stephens and advanced into the final of this WTA Event. With this victory, Schiavone advanced into her first WTA final in more than a year’s time.

2010 French Open winner, Schiavone made a fine start to the match and beat Sloane Stephens in straight sets with a 7-5 6-1 scoreline. After the match, the Italian asserted, "The first set wasn't great. I was using what was there in that moment and just tried to keep going.  It wasn't easy today. It was windy, and it's particularly difficult when you play against the wind, because you have to push hard and stay down with your legs, and be consistent - it's hard to make great shots, so you just have to study how to play the best way, then do it.” She further added that "Sloane can play really well, so I had to use my experience. It wasn't great tennis, but it was important to win and I'm very happy to be in the final."

In the second semi-final, it was an all French affair, as Alizé Cornet rallied from a set down to beat Pauline Parmentier with a 4-6 6-1 6-3 scoreline. She made it to her first WTA final since 2008. In head to head Schiavone comfortably leads with 7-1 against Cornet.

When asked about the final, Schiavone asserted, "I know the crowd will support Alizé in the final - she's French and she's a great player. But I will go out there and try my best, fight and enjoy the match, and I hope the public will support me for the final too!"

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