Angelique Kerber is one win away from her first title of the season after overcoming fourth seed Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6(8/6), 6-1, in the semifinals at the Monterrey Open in Mexico.
A roller coaster opening set saw the world No.1 squander a 4-1 lead against Suarez Navarro, who is on the comeback from injury. Kerber then had a chance to serve the set out as she broke once more for a 6-5, but failed to capitalize on her opportunity. Eventually the German triumphed in the tiebreaker after a cross-court forehand winner secured her a 7-6 lead.
First set tiebreak complete!@AngeliqueKerber takes a very close opening set off Suarez Navarro 7-6(6)! pic.twitter.com/Oclq9L39Df
— WTA (@WTA) 8 April 2017
Charging towards the finish line, Kerber experienced little resistance as she won the following six out of seven games in what was a one-sided 24-minute second set. The 29-year-old ended the match with 29 winners compared to 24 unforced errors.
“I think we both played on a really high level today,” said Kerber. “It was a really tough match. It’s always tough to play against her, I know this because I’ve played her in a lot of tough battles in the past.
“I tried to stay focused, especially in the beginning of the second set, and I’m happy to be in the second final here.”
Pavlyuchenkova awaits
Saturday’s win has elevated Kerber to her first final since the US Open last September. She will next play Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who brushed aside France’s Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-4.
“I was tired today, but I tried of course not to focus on it and give my best in every point, every match,” Pavlyuchenkova explained after her victory. “I just tried to find that extra energy every time. I was just so focused on winning.”
Sunday’s final is set to be a stern test for top seed Kerber. Pavlyuchenkova is already a three-time champion in Monterrey and defeated the German in the 2013 final. Both players have only dropped one set in the entire tournament so far.
“I’m happy to be in the finals here in Monterrey for the second time,” an upbeat Kerber said. “It’s a completely new year, new match. I’m really looking forward to playing Anastasia.
“I think it will be a great atmosphere out here and I will try to enjoy the final and try to win it, of course.”
Leading their head-to-head 5-3, it will be Kerber’s first meeting on the WTA tour with Pavlyuchenkova since their 2016 Brisbane Open clash. On that occasion the world No.1 triumph in straight sets.
