Sharapova into semis

"Today was one of my best matches this year," 17-year-old Sharapova said. "The return of serve was the key as her serve is so powerful, so I'm glad I managed to play so well in her service games.

"I've learned so much since I broke through here last year and now have so much experience that it helps in matches like today as I know how to play the big points better."

The other semi-final will be an all-French affair after 16-year-old Tatiana Golovin posted a 6-4 7-5 win over Anne Kremer of Luxembourg while ninth-seeded Emilie Loit beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-2 6-4. After the starting the year at 144, victory over Loit would put Golovin into the top 50 for the first time.

"I can't believe I have reached the semi-finals at my first ever senior grasscourt event," she said

"My goal for this year was to reach the top 100, so I am shocked to be so high so quickly. It's great though as I think this means that I will be able to qualify for the Olympics now."