Mauresmo to face Henin

Saturday's final will be a repeat of the Australian Open final earlier in the year, that saw the trophy end up in Mauresmo's hands, her maiden major, after Henin was forced to retire from the match due to ill health.

Having blown the lead when a set and a break up in her previous two appearances in the last-four at Wimbledon, history appeared to be repeating itself as the Australian Open champion threw away the same advantage against the number four seed.

However, this time the world number one was blessed with greater belief in her abilities, turning the match around and hitting some career shots as she raced into a 4-0 lead in the final set, holding on to take the final set 6-2.

Rarely will the crowds at SW19 have seen such delight from a player as she celebrated her victory.

"I was relieved at the end I was able to come back strongly and change the momentum that was in her favour," said a delighted Mauresmo.

"I am very happy. Finally I have got the chance to play for the trophy."

Mauresmo started the match in incredible fashion, putting not a foot out of place in the opening set committing just a single unforced error as she dominated the net, keeping her opponent off balance as much as possible.

Sharapova was also playing a full part and was able to stay on level terms until the eighth game where having battle back to parity from 0-40, she then carved another shot out of the court to hand Mauresmo an advantage she would not give up, going on to take the set 6-3.

More of the same at the start of the second set, Sharapova double faulting on break point to hand the French woman a 2-1 lead which she would then extend to 3-1 before the Russian came roaring back into the match.

The 2004 champion was able to reel of five games on the trot to rip through the second set, taking it 6-3 and taking the match into a tense decider.

However, this is not the old Mauresmo. With a history of capitulation in similar circumstances this would prove to be a different story.

This time Mauresmo gathered herself to blitz into a 4-0 lead just when it mattered as Sharapova's normally fearsome serve deserted her, including once again double faulting on a break point.

As always, the Russian refused to give up, managing a break of serve as she put everything into every shot. But this was not to be her day, perhaps inspired by the success of the French football team Amelie held on, securing her place in the final as Sharapova hit a forehand long.

Pure delight engulfed Mauresmo at the finish, she might literally explode with delight if she can overcome Henin in Saturday's final.