Kuznetsova is through to her first French Open final

The Russian, seeded eighth, eventually triumphed 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.

In a see-saw match, Vaidisova profited from her opponent's nerves to roar back from 5-3 down to take a one-set lead.

The 17-year-old was then two points away from the final at 5-5 in the second-set tiebreak but a rash of errors allowed Kuznetsova back in.

"She got little bit nervous," said Kuznetsova.

"I know how it feels because I've been in her position so many times and I've done it. I had a little bit more experience than she has. I was just fighting.

"I think I'm better physically than she is. I was just playing every point and suddenly she started to make mistakes."

It's not like I had match point Nicole Vaidisova

Vaidisova left the court in tears but later said she was proud of her performances in Paris.

"I had my chances but it happens," said the teenager.

"Of course I'm disappointed, I don't like to lose, but I can be proud of what I did and I'll use the experience.

"It's not like I had match point. Even if you're 5-4 up and serving, you're still so far from winning."

Kuznetsova will face defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne in Saturday's final, a player she has beaten only once in 10 meetings.

"I know I have to play a great game to beat Justine. I just want to give a fight. I just want to go out there and do my best," said the eighth seed.