Serena skips practice, Safarova into doubles final

PARIS (AP) - Serena Williams is skipping practice the day before the French Open women's final, and will not conduct a news conference, either. She meets

PARIS (AP) - Serena Williams is skipping practice the day before the French Open women's final, and will not conduct a news conference, either.

She meets first-time finalist Lucie Safarova on Saturday.

Williams has been sick for several days, and was listless in the heat during her semifinal victory on Thursday, then did not hold a post-match news conference, saying she went to the tournament doctor.

Safarova, meanwhile, remains on course to become the first woman in 15 years to win the singles and doubles at the French Open.

Safarova teamed with Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States to beat Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the doubles final.

The last to do the double was Frenchwoman Mary Pierce in 2000, when she played alongside Martina Hingis.