Bartoli fights past Kuznestova to reach French open semis

Paris: Eleventh seed Marion Bartoli, an emotional jumping jack of nervous energy, clinched the tie break when 13th seed Kuznetsova misdirected a forehand off a deep approach.

The Frenchwoman, a Wimbledon runner-up in 2007, was a break ahead in the opening game of the second set and backed it up with another break to lead 5-2.

But the experienced Russian clawed a break back in the eighth game as Bartoli served for the match.

Kuznetsova held for 4-5 but Bartoli claimed victory on her first match point when Kuznetova ballooned a forehand into the stands.

"Thanks to the fans and to my father (Walter, her coach). We won it together," said Bartoli

"I prepared well for this match with my dad. I am very happy and proud."