Belgian defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne ruined Kim Clijsters's birthday when she outclassed her compatriot 6-3, 6-2 to reach the final of the French Open on Thursday.
Henin-Hardenne, seeded fifth, will face eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in Saturday's final after the Russian stormed back from one set down to knock out Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova.
The Belgian now has the chance to become the first player since Spain's Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1994 to win the tournament without dropping a set.
Clijsters, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday on centre court, could have taken over from France's Amelie Mauresmo at the top of the WTA rankings if she had won.
She was, however, simply no match for Henin-Hardenne, who used her claycourt skills to put an end to her opponent's dreams of winning the title.
"I have tried to do my best," said Clijsters, twice a finalist at Roland Garros. "She plays very, very well, she is the best player on clay."
Henin-Hardenne, who won the tournament in 2003 and 2005, saved two break points on her first two service games before breaking decisively in the eighth and wrapping up the set with an ace.
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She claimed her opponent's serve a final time in the seventh and finished her job with a service winner.
"I have tried to put a maximum of pressure from the start," said Henin-Hardenne.
"I served well, it was essential. I did not shiver in the key moments. I forced her into rallies and I know she does not like that.
"Now I really have to stay focused because there is another big match on Saturday. It's quite something as I can win my third Roland Garros."
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