Sharapova, Halep reach Madrid Open final

Sharapova was cruising against Agnieszka Radwanska before allowing the third-seeded Pole to break back in the second set. But the eighth-ranked Russian recovered to secure a 6-1, 6-4 win.

Maria Sharapova held her nerve Saturday to reach her second consecutive Madrid Open final, where she'll play Simona Halep of Romania.

Sharapova was cruising against Agnieszka Radwanska before allowing the third-seeded Pole to break back in the second set. But the eighth-ranked Russian recovered to secure a 6-1, 6-4 win.

Earlier, Halep rallied in the hot conditions to dispatch former champion Petra Kvitova 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2.

Kvitova, the 2011 winner, looked on course for victory before unforced errors and the rising temperatures at the Magic Box took their toll.

Two-time defending champion Serena Williams pulled out with a thigh injury on Friday.