Czech Iveta Benesova is through to the final of the Moorilla Hobart International after dominating Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1 6-3 in their semifinal today.
Benesova is on course to meet her Czech mate Petra Kvitova in Friday’s final if the powerful teenager can beat fancied Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano tonight.
Benesova, who shares a coach with her Fed Cup teammate Kvitova, was a Hobart finalist in 2006 where she was beaten by Michaella Krajicek.
“I remember my last final here, it wasn’t very nice, I think I won like three points so I’m hoping things will be better tomorrow,” Benesova told reporters.
The many admirers charmed by Rybarikova in Hobart will now keenly watch her first Australian Open appearance next week.
The WTA Tour newcomer made it to the third round of the US Open last year – in her first year of Grand Slams.
“This was a good tournamament for me, beating the No.1 seed, but I’m a bit dissapointed after this match,” Rybarikova told AAP.
“I’m looking forward to Melbourne now.
“My best performance was (the) US Open third round so now I will aim further but it’s going to be very hard.”