Maria Sharapova lost the first six games but won the last four to reach the French Open semifinals.

The defending champion overcame a miserable start in the quarterfinals to beat Jelena Jankovic, 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday.

It was the first victory of Sharapova's career after losing an opening set 6-0. Her opponent on Friday will be two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who reached her first Roland Garros semifinal by beating Maria Kirilenko 7-6 (3), 6-2.

Sharapova won her first Roland Garros title a year ago to complete a career Grand Slam. She's 42-9 at the French Open, best among active women.

Third-seeded Victoria Azarenka became the first woman representing Belarus to reach the semifinals of the French Open, defeating Maria Kirilenko of Russia 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Wednesday.

The two-time Australian Open champion won five straight points to lead 6-1 in the tiebreaker before hitting a backhand winner to take the first set.

Kirilenko, who never went beyond the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam tournament, double-faulted to trail 3-1 in the second set.

Azarenka sealed her spot in the last four when Kirilenko sent a forehand long on match point. She will next face No. 2 Maria Sharapova.