Wozniacki beats Radwanska again to reach Pan Pacific final
Former champion Caroline Wozniacki continued her late season resurgence by beating second-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland yesterday to advance to the final of the Pan Pacific Open.
Radwanska was close to victory, leading 5-3 in the second set, but Wozniacki seized momentum when she broke her opponent twice to win the last four games on her way to a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win.
The U.S. Open semifinalist also came from 3-1 down in the third set, once again winning four straight games before closing out the match when Radwanska's return went into the net.
"It was a tough match against a great player," Wozniacki said. "We always have tough matches. I was happy to fight back even though I was down a break in the second set."
The Dane will face Naomi Osaka of Japan in today's final. Osaka also rallied to beat Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Wozniacki drew on all her experience against Radwanska, beating her for the ninth time against only four losses.
"We practice together all the time so I knew what to expect," Wozniacki said. "It was a good game, a good match. Nothing really surprised me."
The former top-ranked player has faced ankle and wrist injuries this season.
"It's always a grind when you are injured," Wozniacki said. "You just have to go with it and work hard. It's great to be back."