Pierce win stuns Hingis

Pierce is into her second French Open final

Mary Pierce bt Martina Hingis 6-4, 5-7, 6-2

Local hero Mary Pierce is into the final of the French Open after an epic victory against world number one Martina Hingis.

Pierce, who had match point in the second set, finally overcame a gutsy Hingis to win 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

She now faces Spain's Conchita Martinez in Saturday's final, after she disposed of fellow Spaniard Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario 6-1, 6-2.

The partisan Parisian crowd went wild when sixth-seed Pierce, battling through the pain barrier, won through to her second French Open final.

Pierce had comfortably won the first set 6-4 and had match point in the second but her nerve let her down.

We are going to make every effort to get her out there

WTA health services manager Sue Fleshman

Top-seed Hingis refused to surrender and clawed herself back into the match and took the second set 7-5.

The nerve-wracking third set saw some astonishing tennis as Hingis and Pierce pushed themselves to the limit.

Pierce twice broke Hingis' serve in the final set. Once Hingis broke back but could do nothing the second time when Pierce played some amazing two-handed backhand shots.

Pierce and Hingis were both suffering from cramp and their movement was hindered during the final game.

But Pierce held on for a memorable victory.

However after the game Pierce had to be treated for severe cramp and received an intravenous drip.

She was unable to attend a mandatory post-match press conference and it casts doubt on her ability to perform at her best in the final.

WTA health services manager Sue Fleshman said: "Mary is a tough competitor...a very strong and very fit player. We are going to make every effort to get her out there.

"Mary has been receiving treatment since she came off court, citing cramp problems in the last two games.

"She was able to finish the match successfully. It was only after her body calmed down and she stopped moving that the full effects hit.

"Her mineral levels were low...but she has been walking and taking fluids."