Caroline Wozniacki will face Karolina Pliskova in the Qatar Open final after a bumper Friday of quarter and semi-final action.
Both were forced to play back-to-back matches on Friday night due to rain playing havoc with the schedule and they will face off in Doha later on Saturday night
Former world No1 Wozniacki beat Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 6-1 6-2 to reach the final having earlier in the evening beat USA’s Lauren Davis in the last eight.
Second seed Pliskova came through her quarter-final against China’s Zhang Shuai for the loss of just two games before an altogether tougher test against Dominika Cibulkova.
Pliskova fired down a career-best 21 aces to beat the third seed 6-4 4-6 6-3 for her first victory over the Slovakian in four career meetings.
“I’m really excited, especially after what a long, tough day it’s been,” said Pliskova.
“Having two wins today is amazing, and I beat Domi for the first time in my life.”
Wozniacki has won all three of her previous matches against Pliskova but their last encounter came in 2014 before world number three Pliskova reached last year’s US Open final and became a top-10 player.
The Czech also has one title under her belt this season having won in Brisbane and won’t be underestimated by the resurgent Dane who is chasing a third title since September.
“She’s playing really well, serving really well. It’s going to be a great final and I’m excited for it,” Wozniacki said.
“It’s been a great week, really tough conditions with all the waiting, but I managed to keep focus and play some of my best tennis out there.”
