Norman storms into final

Norman has stormed into the French Open final

Magnus Norman bt Franco Squillari 6-1 6-4 6-3

Magnus Norman eased into the final of the French Open with a straight sets victory over unseeded Franco Squillari on Friday.

Squillari could not match Norman's big serves and brilliant ground strokes and was comfortably beaten 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, in a semi-final which lasted just under two hours.

Third-seed Norman has qualified for his first ever Grand Slam final and becomes the first Swede in the French Open final since Stefan Edberg 11 years ago.

He is the current leader of the new ATP Champions Race and winner of last month's Rome Masters Series event.

I was a little nervous at the start because all the pressure was on me - but I played well

Magnus Norman

Norman has dropped only one set so far on the slow red clay of Roland Garros and looks formidable.

Norman said after his easy semi-final win: "I played a perfect match today.

"I was a little nervous at the start because all the pressure was on me - but I played well.

"He had beaten some very good players this week, so it was a good test for me today but I'm very happy with the way I'm playing."

Squillari was reduced to going for outrageous winners in a bid to stay in the match - and sometimes missed wildly.

Showdown

His previous best effort at a Grand Slam was reaching the third round of this year's Australian Open - and he looked out of his depth at this level.

Argentine Squillari only started to fight in the final set and had chances as Norman tensed up.

Norman worked hard and thoroughly deserved his place in Sunday's final after dominating the semi from start to finish.

He can now prepare himself for a showdown with either former champion and pre-tournament favourite Gustavo Kuerten or 20-year-old Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, who were playing each other in Friday's other semi-final.