Ashleigh Barty moved into the biggest final of her singles career, reaching the Miami Open decider with a straight-sets win over Anett Kontaveit on Thursday.
The Australian, who is moving into the top 10 in the world rankings, cruised to a 6-3 6-3 victory against a below-par Kontaveit in their semi-final.
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Barty has won three WTA Tour titles, but the decider in Miami – against either Simona Halep or Karolina Pliskova – will be her first at WTA Premier Mandatory level.
She capitalised on what was a rusty display from Kontaveit, who committed 33 unforced errors to lose in one hour, 17 minutes.
Wow! #MiamiOpen Final bound for @ashbar96!
— WTA (@WTA) March 28, 2019
She overpowered Kontaveit, 6-3, 6-3. pic.twitter.com/st1fdr9nxD
Rain interrupted the clash early, but there were no further delays after play resumed at 2-2 in the first set.
A Kontaveit double fault and forehand into the net gave Barty a 4-3 lead before the 12th seed took the opener 6-3.
Kontaveit, the 21st seed, finished with 17 unforced errors in a difficult first set.
And that's set point for @ashbar96!
— WTA (@WTA) March 28, 2019
She claims the st set, 6-3. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/kxTJErNTEk
It seemed a lengthy third game in the second set would prove important as Kontaveit broke for 2-1, but the Estonian was lacking patience as she gave up that lead.
Barty won five consecutive games from 3-1 down, sealing what was an impressive victory with an ace.
