Lucie Safarova delighted with semi-final berth

Czech 13th Lucie Safarova said she is "very proud" after advancing to the semi-finals at Roland Garros for the first time in her career.

After ousting Russian superstar Maria Sharapova, Safarova continued her good form with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 quarter-final win over Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in Paris on Tuesday.

"It feels pretty amazing - I still haven't digested it fully but yeah, first time in semis here in Paris," Safarova said.

"I experienced it only once in Wimbledon last year so it's nice to be here so far.

"It's not easy because you have so many emotions going on from yesterday and I couldn't really fall asleep yesterday evening and then I woke up so early.

"I was a little tired in the morning but the will to win and be in the semi-finals was so big that once I stepped on to the court I was just fighting and playing really well."

Safarova added: "I think that in grand slams are difficult because you want to do well.

"You put a lot of pressure on yourself and your still getting used to the conditions and everything but slowly if you keep winning one or two matches you feel the rhythm and get better and better and now it's about being healthy and still ready."

Standing in the way of Safarova and a spot in the French Open final is 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic.

"Of course - step by step, so I'm looking forward to my next match. A nice tough opponent so it will be exciting," she added.