Henin-Hardenne will now go for her third French Open title

Henin-Hardenne will meet Svetlana Kuznetsova in Saturday's final after sealing a 6-3 6-2 win.

The match was evenly-fought until Henin-Hardenne broke to take a 5-3 lead in the first set.

But it was one-way traffic from then on and second seed Clijsters managed to win only two of the last eight games.

Highlights: Henin-Hardenne demolishes Clijsters

It proved to be a miserable 23rd birthday for Clijsters, who would have replaced Amelie Mauresmo as world number one had she got past Henin-Hardenne.

"I think she is by far the best clay-court player," said Clijsters.

"The difference between her and the other players is that she moves so well, not that she hits harder.

I did not shiver in the key moments Justine Henin-Hardenne

"You think you hit a winner but the ball comes back. I was dominating points but I couldn't finish them off because she's a good defender."

Henin-Hardenne was understandably delighted with her form as she posted her 13th straight victory at Roland Garros and her 21st win in 22 matches in Paris.

"I have tried to put a maximum of pressure from the start," she said.

"I served well, it was essential. I did not shiver in the key moments. I forced her into rallies and I know she does not like that.