PARIS (AP) — Francesca Schiavone (Fran-chess’-skah Skee-ah-voh’-nay) has become the first Italian woman to reach a Grand Slam final, winning her semifinal at the French Open when Elena Dementieva (Yell-e’-nuh De-ment’-ye-vuh) retired after losing the first set.
Schiavone won the set 7-6 (3) Thursday, and Dementieva walked off the court shaking her head. She went up to a surprised Schiavone, sitting in her changeover chair, and offered a concession handshake.
There was no immediate word on the nature of any injury for Dementieva. She didn’t seek treatment from a trainer during the 69-minute first set.
