The ASB Classic 2014 final will feature two of the biggest names on women’s tennis tour – Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic.
The two former world number ones and Grand Slam titlists had contrasting results in the semifinals. Williams advanced via a semifinal walkover win over fifth-seed Jamie Hampton. Hampton pulled out prior to the match due to hip injury she suffered during practice. It would have been the first meeting between the two Americans.
“At the end of my warm-up this morning I took a couple of extra swing volleys and I just jammed my hip,” Hampton said. “I think I’ll be fine for the Australian Open if I take the proper steps to recover.
“It’s incredibly disappointing. I wanted the opportunity to play such a great champion and have a chance at making the finals and winning my first title, but that’s how the cookie crumbles unfortunately,” she added.
Ivanovic secured a spot in the final after defeating third-seed Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium 6-0, 7-6.
“The first set was really almost without mistakes – I served well, hit the ball well and played very aggressive too,” Ivanovic said. “The second set I felt was good for me too, but she started to serve better and put a lot more pressure on me, but I managed to serve well too and played well at the end.
“I expected a tough match today and it turned out to be a really tough second set.”
Williams has an 8-1 head to head series lead over Ivanovic.
“We all know what Venus is capable of, and she’s been showing some good form this week too,” Ivanovic said. “I’ve struggled with both Serena and Venus in the past. They both have a big serve, and it can be overwhelming at times. But over the years you get used to it and become more calm. There’s no doubt it’ll be a very, very tough match, but it’s a matter of still doing the things I’ve worked on.
“We’ve had some tough matches in the past and I’m really looking forward to that final challenge.”
