Serena Williams overpowered Sara Errani to reach the French Open semifinals with a 6-1, 6-3 win Wednesday.

A two-time champion in Paris, Williams extended her unbeaten record against the 2012 French Open runner-up to nine matches.

It was a stark contrast to Williams' three previous matches, when the 19-time Grand Slam champion got off to sluggish starts and lost the opening set.

Williams broke for a 2-0 lead but dropped her serve in the next game. She saved a break point in the fifth game and held after hitting a 121 mph (195 kph) ace.

Errani played deeper in the second set but was broken two more times.

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