Sam Stosur has rediscovered her clay-court game almost exactly a year after reaching the French Open final.
Stosur beat fourth-seeded Li Na of China 7-6 (6), 6-0 Saturday to reach the Italian Open final - the first time the Australian will play a final since losing to Francesca Schiavone at Roland Garros last year.
Stosur saved a set point in the tiebreaker when Li, the Australian Open runner-up, missed a forehand wide. Stosur then closed out the set with a forehand winner and cruised from there.
In Sunday's final, Stosur will face either top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki or seventh-seeded Maria Sharapova, who were playing later on another cloudless day at the Foro Italico.
In men's action, top-ranked Rafael Nadal plays No. 16 Richard Gasquet and No. 2 Novak Djokovic takes on No. 4 Andy Murray.
Nadal is trying to win this clay-court tournament for the sixth time in seven years, while Djokovic is aiming to extend his 37-match winning streak.
Djokovic beat Nadal for the first time on clay in last weekend's Madrid Open final.
