Safarova opens up in a must-win set for the 13th seed. She shanks one horribly wide at 0-15 - that was the equivalent of a footballer hitting the corner flag with a stray shot. That contributes to a break point for Williams, but Safarova saves with a sensational second serve. Deuce. The Czech grabs the advantage with her first ace of the afternoon, before seeing her next serve hammered straight back past eyeline by an effortless Williams forehand. On we go....

Andy Murray speaking to BBC Sport:

"It was tough day yesterday and I didn't start how I wanted, but I got back into it and in the fifth I has a chance at the start, but failed to take it.

"It is the closest I have ever been to making the finals of the French Open so that is positive and I think physically I was very good in this event.

"At the start of the clay-court season I certainly didn't this I would win as many matches as I have in a row, but it would have been nice to win one more and make the final."

Viv:, external Not much one can say about Serena Williams (win or lose) she's simply the best...

"Aaaargh!" screams Serena Williams after Lucie Safarova's forehand into the net gives her the first set. Not sure if that was a shriek of joy, relief, or both. Either way she has got the set column on the scoreboard ticking in her favour.

Williams fires down a bullet of an ace for a 30-0 advantage and then Safarova finds the tape to give the American the comfort of three set points. One slips through Williams' her fingers as a deep Safarova return puts her in trouble. But the Czech's joy is very shortlived - now she faces an uphill task.

Image source, AP

Talking of keeping cool - Safarova has to keep hers. The Czech is serving to stay in this first set. Williams means business, punching back some meaty forehand as she batters Safarova's defence. The 13th seed hands her opponent a break chance - but battles back to force deuce and then claim a gutsy hold. Over to you Serena....

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Ice towels were a common sight during Williams' laboured semi-final win against Timea Bacsinszky - and she has been digging deep in the freezer again. The American drapes a white towel across her head to keep cool at the change.

While Williams is not very sprightly between points, she is light on her feet when the ball is being pinged into her side of the court. The world number one sees a 30-0 advantage wiped out as Safarova's arrows a speedy backhand towards her intended target. Bingo. But Williams ups the ante gain, finishing the job with a third ace of the match.

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Much better from Safarova, who is desperately trying to hang on to Williams' coattail. That the Czech manages to do with a decent service game. Williams, as she tends to do, shuffles slowly between points - almost tortoise like - trying to preserve her sapped energy levels.

Most mere mortals would struggle to perform as well as this at work when they are 100%, never mind after being tucked up with a hot water bottle for the past couple of days. Williams' service game is too hot for Safarova to handle at the moment, a couple of double faults from the American being the only bones thrown to the Czech.

Image source, Getty Images

Ayo Obit:, external If Serena wins this final, calling in sick will no longer be an excuse not to come to work!

Thought Safarova would be able to take advantage of Williams's illness? Think again. On this evidence Williams looks as fit as a fiddle. The American's power is there for all to see, spanking a backhand winner for 30-0, before unleashing a crunching, dipping forehand to clinch the game.

Image source, Getty Images

Miles Maclagan
Former coach to Andy Murray and Laura Robson on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I think that both players will be content, with their start but especially Lucie Safarova who will have been delighted to get her first service game on the board. That is half the battle when you are playing the imposing aura of Williams

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"Serena is always a little slow around the court between points, but there is nothing wrong with her power when she is striking the ball. There was a backhand in that first game that was a real statement of intent."

Another Williams ace confirms another Williams hold. Safarova had a sniff at 40-30 but the American quickly yanks that rug from under her feet. The world number one trudges off to her seat at the change of ends, with the weary walk that we saw in Thursday's semi-final.

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Any nerves that Safarova might feel on her Grand Slam final debut will be eased with a routine hold. A backhand winner from the world number one does not ease the tension, before the Czech finds her rhythm to edge 40-15 ahead. A loose forehand has the head jangling again, but Williams misses the target with a forehand. All square.

Historically the French have enjoyed an uprising - and the Chatrier crowd make it clear from the start that they are supporting the underdog.

Williams opens up with a booming first serve, but it is Safarova's passing winner for 15-15 which earns the biggest cheer. However, Williams soon stamps her authority, ending a simple hold with a thunderbolt of an ace. If that is Williams feeling under the weather...

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Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Serena will have just nipped back to the bathroom before the start of the match. That is probably because she has been hydrating heavily with her illness and the hot weather. Serena Williams is looking a lot, lot better to me compared with a few days ago in the semi-final."

Listen live via the audio icon at the top of this page.

Both players nip off court for a final trip to the loo - let's hope Williams hasn't thrown up. Moments later they return and it is Williams to serve first. Game on!

Serena Williams waves to the Chatrier crowd as she knocks up wearing a smart black drill top. She must be sweltering! The mercury has risen to about 21C in Paris, with the cloud-free sky as blue as the River Seine. Beautiful.

Both players wave to the Paris crowd, stick their bulging bags next to their chairs and then meet at the net to contest the toss. Williams wins - and opts to serve first. Still no hint of a smile from the world number one as the pair pose for the obligatory pre-match photograph.

Image source, AP