The defending Wimbledon champion was bidding to win her fifth Grand Slam title on the trot at Roland Garros but a resolute Justine Henin-Hardenne ended Serena's Paris campaign in the semi-finals.

The defeat also ruined the American's chances of achieving a calendar year Grand Slam in 2003.

"It (the defeat in Paris) has definitely helped me as I went home and worked harder than normal," said Serena after charging through to her second consecutive All England Club final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Henin on Thursday.

"I was definitely more focused and realised there are players out there that I have to be on my toes with."

"I'm just really excited to be in the finals again of a grand slam. I just want to fight and do the best I can. I've been able to realise at the French that you can't always make it to the final.

"So that now that I'm back, it's definitely exciting. It's just another step, another day to keep fighting."

Venus Williams will play her sister in the final after her victory over Henin's compatriot Kim Clijsters in the other semi-final.

Henin believes Serena's opponent in the final will have to work hard to wrest the title from her.

"I think she just proved that she is number one in the world especially on fast surfaces she is very tough to beat," the French Open champion said.