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Simona Halep returns to French Open final for third time and will face Sloane Stephens

Halep, the runner-up in 2014 and 2017, will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens in Saturday's final. The Romanian leads head-to-head record 5-2.

Simona Halep of Romania celebrates during the ladies singles semi-final match against Garbine Murguruza of Spain during day twelve of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 7, 2018 in Paris, France
Image: Simona Halep beat Garbine Murguruza to reach Saturday's final

Simona Halep continued her quest for an elusive Grand Slam title by reaching her third French Open final in four years and will now meet Sloane Stephens on Saturday.

In a heavyweight women's semi-final with the No 1 spot at stake, it was Halep who proved too strong for Wimbledon champion and 2016 Paris winner Garbine Muguruza, winning 6-1 6-4, and is now guaranteed to top the WTA rankings next week.

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We will return for more tennis coverage from the ATP Tour when we head to Germany for the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, live on Sky Sports Arena from 11am on Monday, 18 June.

Romania's Simona Halep plays a forehand return to Spain's Garbine Muguruza during their women's singles semi-final match on day twelve of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on June 7, 2018

"I'm really, really happy that I won this match," said Halep, who lost to Maria Sharapova and Jelena Ostapenko in her previous two finals. "It was really important for my mind to know I could win against a great opponent.

"It's a pleasure to play here. I'm happy to play the final again at my favourite grand slam. I'll try my best and hopefully do better than last year."

Muguruza ended Sharapova's campaign in a ruthless display, while Halep won a three-setter against Angelique Kerber to progress through to Thursday's semi-finals.

Garbine Murguruza of Spain plays a backhand during the ladies singles semi-final match against Simona Halep of Romania during day twelve of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 7, 2018 in Paris, France.

It was Halep who made a blistering start on Court Philippe-Chatrier as she broke Spaniard Muguruza's serve four times to win the opening set 6-1.

And in a rip-roaring second set, Muguruza ratcheted up the intensity and broke in the third game, but a determined Halep pegged it back at 4-4.

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A marathon ninth game proved pivotal as Halep saved three break points and stood firm before piling the pressure on the third seed to seize her chance.

Halep took her place in a second consecutive Grand Slam final after losing in the final of the Australian Open in January to Caroline Wozniacki and fourth final at the majors overall.

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We will have news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis from the 2018 French Open. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.

Sloane Stephens of the US reacts during her women's singles semi-final match against Madison Keys of the US on day twelve of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on June 7, 2018
Image: Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys in the second women's semi-final

Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys with a 6-4 6-4 win.

In the first last-four clash between a pair of American women at Roland Garros since Serena Williams beat Jennifer Capriati on her way to the 2002 title, it was Stephens who blazed her way into the final.

Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American to break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006.

"It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said.

"This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime."

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