Norman: Hard work is the key to final

Norman: I'm just a normal guy who's worked hard

It is 11 years since a Swede last reached the final of the men's competition at the French Open - and now Magnus Norman hopes to follow in the footsteps of Stefan Edberg.

If, as Magnus Norman believes, he has learnt his lesson from his last heavy loss in a Grand Slam semi-final at this year's Australian Open, he should see off the challenge of Franco Squillari.

Norman has won their two previous matches in straight sets, and assuming he continues to play as solidly and consistently as he has so far, he should be able to cope with the left-handed Argentine.

Speaking about his chances, he said: "I have never been in a Grand Slam final before so that's motivation enough for me.

Secret weapon

"I have been working so hard for this, and I'm going to work even harder on Friday in order to get to the final and that would be the biggest thrill of my life.

"I'm just a normal guy who's been working really hard and I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers."

The unseeded Squillari's secret weapon is a dangerous flat forehand, but he has never come this far in a Grand Slam tournament before.

The former champion Gustavo Kuerten and the 20-year-old Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, will be playing each other for the first time in the men's other semi-final.

The Brazilian began the fortnight as favourite for the men's title and underlined his challenge with a five-set win over Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the quarter finals.

It would not be sensible however, to underestimate the young Ferrero who has made it to the last four for the first time - despatching Australian Mark Philippoussis along the way.