Reigning French Open champion Serena Williams came through a bizarre last-four tie with Kiki Bertens, which saw both players apparently hampered by injuries, to book a final meeting with Garbine Muguruza at Roland Garros.

While Williams would typically start as a strong favourite against fourth seed Muguruza, the player she beat in last year's Wimbledon final, it remains to be seen whether the world number one will be able to compete to the best of her ability on Saturday. 

Her movement was clearly compromised on Friday, an adductor problem the reported issue, yet Williams was still able to battle to a 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 victory over an opponent whose own mobility was limited by a calf injury.

With neither Williams nor Bertens able to cover the court anywhere near as effectively as usual, it was the underdog who initially seized the advantage in an opening set that understandably featured few lengthy rallies.

However, Williams fought back and accepted her second set point in a tie-break after both players had missed earlier chances to move ahead.

World number 58 Bertens, who had beaten four seeds to reach her maiden grand slam semi-final, duly opened up a 2-0 lead in set two, only for the top seed – moving a little more freely – to again respond.

After getting back on serve, Williams staved off two break points at 2-3 down before breaking in the next game to inflict a crushing blow on her rival.

Williams will now have the opportunity to equal Steffi Graf's Open Era record by claiming a 22nd grand slam singles title, providing she is fit enough to play a fourth match in as many days.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Williams [1] bt Bertens 7-6 [9-7] 6-4

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Williams - 37/31
Bertens - 17/19

ACES
Williams - 5
Bertens - 1

BREAK POINTS WON
Williams - 3/8
Bertens - 2/10

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Williams - 64
Bertens - 65

POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Williams - 62/48
Bertens - 63/43

TOTAL POINTS
Williams - 84
Bertens - 81