Francesca Schiavone of Italy picks up some clay after defeating Marion Bartoli of France during their semi-final match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris， June 2, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Francesca Schiavone of Italy (R) kisses Marion Bartoli of France after winning their semi-final match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris， June 2, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Small continent

The second set was topsy-turvy, with the French 11th seed and 2007 Wimbledon runner-up going 2-0 up, but Schiavone fought back and eventually won when Bartoli netted.

"I think I handled the pressure well but I think Francesca played extremely well today in the conditions, it was really windy. In the end she was a bit too tough," said Bartoli after her first French Open semi-final.

A small contingent of Schiavone fans kept up their support despite being vastly outnumbered by French supporters on Court Philippe Chatrier and often the only chants that could be heard were Italian.

"The crowd today was fantastic with Marion, they supported her from the first point to the end so it's great to have 15,000 persons with you but I have to say thanks to my 50 or 100 fans who came today," Schiavone added.

Li, bidding to be the first Asian to win a grand slam singles title in her second consecutive final, beat Maria Sharapova in straight sets.

"I think she played an amazing year starting in the Australian Open final and she is a great person. It will be tough but this is tennis, someone has to lose," said Schiavone.

The women's game at least has an intriguing final between the holder and a new Asian power after fears from fans that two anonymous players could have ended up in the showpiece after the early exit of the top three seeds including Kim Clijsters.