Simona Halep has defeated Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-2 to become the first woman in Madrid Open history to appear in three finals.

She will play for the title on Saturday against Kristina Mladenovic of France, who upset two-time grand slam winner and eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 7-6 (4).

Halep, seeded third, overcame fits of frustration which resulted in slamming balls and swiping at the clay as she returned to the title match which she won a year ago at the Caja Magica.

Halep had four double-faults and no aces, but broke five times in the 73-minute encounter, earning her second victory of the season over Sevastova after beating her at Stuttgart last month.

It was her 21st clay win from the past 24 matches on the surface.

Mladenovic kept Kuznetsova under control in their semi, breaking twice. The win denied the Russian a 41st career final.

The pair played their only other match at the 2015 US Open, with the Frenchwoman also prevailing on that occasion.

“This is my first singles final here, I’m very happy,” Mladenovic said. “This is a special victory. It was a difficult match against Svetlana, who is also a good friend.

“She plays with a great quality. The final with Halep will be difficult and I need to prepare. But I’m in good form and confident.”