6-3 - That's it! A forehand down the line gives Safina two match points, and the Russian takes the second to advance into the final! Cibulkova folds in the final game, clearly quite weary, putting a forehand into the net, but the Slovak can be proud of the way she has fought against the world number one.

5-3 - Safina makes her sixth double fault of the match, allowing her opponent to get a foothold in the game at 15-30, but the Russian finds two sharp first serves to close out the game. Safina is now just one game away from sealing the match!

4-2 - A fifth double fault of the match from Safina gives her opponent 0-30 on her serve, but a powerful forehand winner down the line reduces the deficit. Cibulkova then forces two break points, but Safina shows real conviction in smashing away the second and holding after an extended deuce.

2-2 - Safina holds under pressure, with Cibulkova pushing her to deuce and refusing to be bullied in any of the rallies. The Russian shows good invention, pushing her opponent wide with a forehand before finding the open court to close out the game. This second set is looking very finely poised.

1-2 - A third unforced error in quick succession from Cibulkova gives Safina the advantage on the Slovak's serve, but she recovers to take the game to 30, with Safina cursing her lack of control on the forehand side.

0-1 - Safina wins an epic rally to level at 15-15, before Cibulkova slams a forehand down the line to stamp her authority back on the game. Cibulkova wins the first game of the second set with a powerful backhand which lands right on the line.

6-3 - Safina wins the first set 6-3! The Russian races to 40-15 thanks to three first serves which tested her opponent, but Cibulkova pegs her back with a fine forehand down the line, before Safina takes the set with a crushing forehand cross court.

5-2 - Safina holds after deuce, and every game of this first set continues to be fiercely contested. The Russian keeps her composure to close out the game after Cibulkova had pushed her all the way with two fine forehand winners.

3-2 - Cibulkova forces two break points at 15-40, before Safina produces two fearsome forehands to take the game into deuce, and hold her serve under immense pressure: that was a good display of character from the Russian.

1-2 - Safina holds from 40-30, producing a superb kick-serve out to Cibulkova's backhand side to clinch the game. The Russian has not started to brightly, but is beginning to find her rhythm now.

0-1 - Cibulkova breaks Safina in the opening game! A stunning backhand cross-court pass from the Slovak gives her 15-30 on the Safina serve, and another brings her a break point at 30-40. The Russian then hits long with a backhand, and Cibulkova breaks!

- - The Philippe Chatrier court is bathed in sunshine as the stands begin to slowly fill, with temperatures of 24 degrees. The wind is 10km/h and should not represent much of a problem for the players.

- - You may know slightly less about the 20-year-old Slovakian, Dominika Cibulkova. Take a look at her profile by clicking here

- - The pair have met two times previously, with Safina winning both, in Tokyo and Montreal, with both coming on hard courts.