Istanbul, Turkey (AHN) - Aravane Rezai upset top-seeded Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals of the Istanbul Cup on Friday.

Despite a minor leg injury, the 62nd-ranked Rezai won handily in straight sets. Rezai, who hails from France, will meet Elena Dementieva in Saturday's final.

"I am very happy about defeating Sharapova. Dementieva is more experienced than me but I believe I will play better tomorrow," said Rezai.

Dementieva downed fifth-seeded Alona Bondarenko 7-6 (5), 6-2 in her semifinal match.

"It feels great," Dementieva said. "Now I'm looking forward to my first final of the year."

The Istanbul Cup is a warm-up for the French Open, which begins on Sunday.