Jarmila Groth (AUS) will meet the flamboyant Bethanie-Mattek Sands (USA) in her first WTA final on home soil after a comfortable victory at the Moorilla Hobart International.
Groth defeated her doubles partner and close friend Klara Zakopalova (CZE) in straight sets, 6-3 6-2 in 1 hour and 3 minutes.
“I’m really happy with my performance, the serve is still a trouble but…I’m having fun so it’s good,” Groth said.
“I felt this year I had good preparation and was coming in confident with my game.
“I think I’ve been playing pretty well the last two weeks so hopefully it can last two more weeks [at the Australian Open].”
Having not dropped a set in the tournament, Groth was confident heading into the final but expected a tough contest against the in-form American.
“It’s going to be definitely a very tough night but I will try to play my game, concentrate on what I’m doing right now and hopefully it’s going to be enough.”
Currently ranked No.40 in the world, Groth is projected to rise by at least three places after advancing to the final in Hobart and could break into the top 35 if she claims her second WTA singles title tomorrow.
In tonight’s opening semifinal, Mattek-Sands came from one set behind to defeat Shuai Peng (CHN) in an entertaining three-set match.
Following tomorrow’s final, Groth will head to Melbourne where she has been drawn to meet No.21 seed Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) in the first round of next week’s Australian Open.
Moorilla Hobart International 2011 series packages and single sessions are on sale now, with ticket prices starting from $9.90.
Tickets are available for the night session on Saturday 15 January online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.