World Number 47 Barbora Strykova battled past Caroline Garcia 6-2 3-6 6-3 to reach her sixth WTA final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament.
Strykova led 3-1 and beat Garcia in their last three head-to-head matches in straight sets. In their most recent clash Strykova beat Garcia in the first round at last January’s Australian Open.
The first five games were evenly-matched and went on serve. Strykova was the first player to get the break at 3-2 with a two-handed backhand slice drop-shot and got a double break to take the first set 6-2. Strykova did not face a single break point in the first set
Strykova reeled off the next five games to win the first set by 6-2 and build up a 2-0 lead with a break of serve in the second set. After receiving treatment on her right ankle after the first set Garcia fought back from a break down to win six of the next seven games and clinched the second set by 6-3 forcing the match to the decider.
Garcia broke serve at the start of the third set. Strykova broke straight back. The third set went on serve until the 8th game when Strykova broke serve in the 8th game to open up a 5-3 lead. Garcia fended off two break points. Strykova saved two Garcia’s break point chances before wrapping up the match with an ace. The Czech player will take on Sara Errani in tomorrow’s final.
Strykova has reached her first WTA final since October 2014. She has not won a title since her maiden title at Quebec City in September 2011.
“I kept telling play your game and go for it. You have nothing to lose. I wasn’t serving well the whole match but in that last game it was important that I pull it through”, said Strykova.
