Intro:

Jelena Jankovic reached the final on the BNP Paribas Open on Friday (20th March) following a three-sets win over Sabine Lisicki - meanwhile, Serena Williams was forced to retire from her semi-final against Simona Halep because of knee trouble.

Script:

It was semi-final time at the BNP Parisbas Open at Indian Wells and the action got underway with Jelena Jankovic up against Sabine Lisicki.

The German produced an impressive performance in the quarter-finals against defending champion Flavia Pennetta.

She took that form into her match with Jankovic as she was forced to endure a lengthy rally to secure the first set.

Lisicki closing out the point with a wonderful backhand shot.

However, in the second, Jankovic's power began to shine through and she secured the set 6-3.

Having endured a marathon quarter-final, Lisicki began to tire and was unable to challenge Jankovic in the final set, losing it 6-1.

Jankovic booking her place in the final where she will face Simona Halep.

The Romanian was due to face Serena Williams in the day's other semi-final but the American was forced to retire with a sprained right knee.

She addressed the crowd on court regarding her injury.

SOUNDBITE (English) Serena Williams:

"A couple days ago at practice I really injured my knee and I fought through it and I came playing. Today I was just struggling to even walk. It was sad because I really just felt four months ago to start this journey and come back here to a place that I've had so much success and it's been a wonderful journey. I have to say that I'm so excited to have been able to come out here and to start to build so many wonderful new memories and I can only promise to come back and play right here on this court in front of you guys and it will be my pleasure so thank you so much."