The third seeded Ons Jabeur of Algeria will face the 17th seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan on Centre Court.

Jabeur knocked out Tatjana Maria of Germany with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win in the first semi-final.

In the second semi, Rybakina, sent the 2019 champion Simona Halep packing with a convincing 6-3, 6-3.

Rybakina said she is delighted to advance especially after the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on her tennis.

“It was very tough because I was going just up. I thought that I can play every tournament no matter how I feel.

“It was just going always my way. I felt really good. Everything was new for me.

“After this pandemic after this long period, it was very difficult to come back. During the pandemic, I didn't practise at all. It wasn't easy.

“Then some health problems like injuries, sick, allergies. It kept on happening. I was very upset, of course.”

Jabeur in her turn expressed her delight in becoming the first women from Africa in the open era to reach the final.

“It is a dream coming true from years and years of work and sacrifice. I am really happy it is paying off and I continue for one more match now,” she said.

“I am a proud Tunisian woman standing here today. I try to inspire as much as I can. It is not just Tunisia. I want to see more and more Arab-African players on the tour. I just love the game."

On Friday in the men's singles the defending champion Novak Djokovic faces the British number one Cameron Norrie and the fiery Nick Kyrgios is straight through to the final as Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Grand Slam due to an abdominal injury.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport