Hingis, No. 1 in the women's rankings, has won three of her previous finals.

She trailed 1-3 in the first set that started late because of rain, but then drove Sanchez-Vicario all around  the court with her precise shots.

The Swiss player converted her third match point in 66 minutes with a spectacular running backhand lob after her world No. 7 opponent sent a volley flying into the corner.

France's Julie Halard-Decugis faces Romanian Ruxandra Dragomir in a battle of unseeded players in the second semifinal.

Sanchez-Vicario had her right thigh treated during the second set.

``It doesn't feel good, but that's not why I lost,'' said the Spanish player. ``She just has more confidence and didn't make as many mistakes.''