French Open 2015: Serena Williams survives Timea Bacsinszky scare to reach the finals

Serena Williams celebrates a point in her match against Timea Bacsinszky

Serena Williams beat Timea Bacsinszky 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 to advance to the French Open final.

The No. 1 seed was not herself as she battled illness to keep her hopes of winning a third title in Paris alive. Serena was down by a set and a break before winning the final 10 games to wrap up the match.

"I tried everything. I thought if I lose I must fight. I have tried and tried, I don't know where I found the energy, she said at the court side interview. The conditions were extremely tough on both players on what was the hottest day of the tournament. The World No. 1 used ice towels on her forehead, neck and drank plenty of water to keep herself hydrated.

Bacsinszky played extremely well in the opening set showing no nerves of playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal. She went toe to toe with Williams on most rallies and came out on top in several of them. However, The American proved too good for the Swiss in the latter stages of the second set after breaking back in the sixth game.

Lucie Safarova plays a forehand in her straight sets win over Timea Bacsinszky

Williams, who is going for her 20th Grand Slam will face Lucie Safarova in the summit clash. Safarova overcame 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 7-5 in the other semifinal.

Ivanovic was in complete of the opening set at 5-2, but the Czech fought back winning five games in a row to take a one set lead. After breaking in the second set, Safarova was serving for the match at 5-4. It was Ivanovic who hung on saving match points to even things at 5-5.

Safarova broke right back and served out the match to reach her first Grand Slam final.