Maria Sharapova has admitted that she had to be "tough" to beat Garbine Muguruza in the French Open quarter-finals.
The world number eight came from a set down on Tuesday to defeat the Spaniard and reach the last four in Paris.
Sharapova, who won the tournament in 2012, will now face Canadian youngster Eugenie Bouchard for a spot in Saturday's final.
"I came across a player playing with such confidence and I knew it was going to be a tough match," the Russian is quoted as saying by the WTA's official website. "I had a tough start but luckily I had a good finish.
"She was playing so aggressive at the start, but also I wasn't really helping myself with my movement or serving."
Sharapova was beaten in last year's final at Roland Garros by Serena Williams.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
