Elena Dementieva retires From Semi-Final

Elena Dementieva retired from the first women's semi final at Roland Garros to hand victory to Francesca Schiavone.

Schiavone, who has become the first Italian woman to reach a Grand Slam final, had take the first set 7-3 in the tie break when Dementieva called it quits.

Dementieva revealed to Sky Sports after the match: "I have a tear in my left calf, so it's very painful to even walk.

"Today was just a sharp pain. It was a bit too much."

The Russian and runner up in 2004 was the favourite going into the match but Schiavone dug deep and stayed with the fifth seed during a hard fought first set.

Despite her thigh being heavily strapped as the match started it was the more experienced Russian who struck first in the seventh game as she finally broke through the Italian's defences to lead 4-3.

But it was a lead that didn't last long as Schiavone, who had already let break points slip earlier in the set, took her chance in the next game to once again level the set.

And they were still locked together at 6-6 and a tie break was needed to split them. And it was impressive play from the Italian as she held her nerve to deliver some thunderous shots to dominate.

While Dementieva seemed to moving with ease her serve began to desert her and she was struggling to hold back the tears.

As Schiavone wrapped up the opening set Dementieva signaled to the umpire that the match was over, deciding not to call out the trainer, much to the surprise of her opponent.

Dementieva revealed after the match that she had spent a lot of time with the trainer before several of her matches and she felt that there was not more that they could do to help her.

The Russian has pulled out of the warm of grass tournament in Eastbourne and remains a doubt for Wimbledon.

The shock of Dementieva's retirement soon turned to joy as Schiavone found herself in her maiden Grand Slam final where she will now face Australian Sam Stosur for the title on Saturday.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw