MONTERREY, México - Daniela Hantuchova won an all-Slovak showdown with Dominika Cibulkova on Saturday to reach the final of the Monterrey Open, and is now one step away from her first singles title since 2007.
Hantuchova had been successful in both of her previous encounters with Cibulkova, and things were no different this time, as she recovered well from losing the first set to beat her younger countrywoman, 46 63 60.
"I didn't have a good start. It was difficult to find a way to win but I'm happy I was able to," Hantuchova said. "In the first set I didn't take my opportunities, so from the second set I decided I had to be aggressive. I was hoping it wouldn't rain."
"This was not my day," Cibulkova said. "In the first set I was aggressive and focused well, but I changed how I was playing in the second set and she got ahead several games, and by the beginning of the third set I was mad because nothing was working for me. I need to think about my mistakes - I know playing against Daniela I can't play like I did. I'll just have to learn from this one."
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Though seeded No.2 and No.4, respectively, both Hantuchova and Cibulkova were late entries - and thus wildcards - at the Monterrey Open.
"I haven't been in a final since three years ago, so I'm excited. I don't have anything to lose, so I'll just give all of myself," Hantuchova added. "I came to Monterrey early to prepare myself and I think it shows. I also feel like I'm playing at home here, the fans are so supportive."
"I wasn't planning on coming to Monterrey, but I'm happy I did because I won some good matches," Cibulkova added. "I was so happy how the crowd was supporting me, I actually feel sorry I didn't win today."
Hantuchova has a 3-6 record in Sony Ericsson WTA Tour finals, winning Indian Wells twice (2002, 2007) and Linz once (2007).
The other semifinal, pitting No.3 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova against Anastasija Sevastova, never got started due to rain. They will play on Sunday morning, with the winner taking on Hantuchova later in the day.
