World number one Amelie Mauresmo battled her way into her first Wimbledon final by beating 2004 champion Maria Sharapova 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 here on Thursday.

Mauresmo came back from a disastrous second set to secure her place for Saturday's final against Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium.

The French player proved to be a hard nut for the 19-year-old Sharapova.

Mauresmo seemed in her best form in the first set this afternoon, leading 6-3, 3-1 before Sharapova, a very challenging player by nature, fought her way back.

Two things had changed in Sharapova: she was not missing her shots, and she was upping the decibel count, shrieking her way through every point. Meantime the Mauresmo serve was sinking fast.

But Mauresmo regained her game in the decider and held on for the victory.

Editor: Donald