STEPHENS SETS UP MIAMI MASTERS FINAL WITH OSTAPENKO
German plays Carreno Busta for place in Miami final
MIAMI: Alexander Zverev remains on target for his third ATP Masters title after dismantling Borna Coric 6-4, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Pablo Carreno Busta for a place in Sunday’s Miami Masters final.
The German world No. 5 produced a supremely solid display and was excellent value for this deserved victory against Coric who was ultimately overpowered and outmanoeuvred.
Zverev, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2017 after winning the Italian Open in Rome and the Canada Masters by beating Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer respectively, is keen for more of the same at Key Biscayne.
“The times we played before, he just better than me,” said Zverev, who will move to No. 3 in the world if he manages to win Sunday’s final.
“I am really happy to have made it through against him. Spaniard Carreno Busta will be a very difficult match, he’s playing really well now.
“It is going to be a big test but I am looking forward to it.”
Carreno Busta has never played Zverev before. He will head into the match full of confidence after beat- ing South African Kevin Anderson in a dramatic third set tie-break.
In the women’s section, the final will pit two reigning Grand Slam champions after Sloane Stephens and Jelena Ostapenko won their respective semi-finals on Thursday.
US Open champion Stephens again ended former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of a fairytale comeback by beating her 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
French Open champion Ostapenko beat unseeded American Danielle Collins in the nightcap, staving off a set point en route to a 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 triumph.
American 13th seed Stephens has five career titles, while sixth seed Ostapenko has two heading into today’s final.
“I’m feeling amazing now,” said Latvian Ostapenko, who wore down Collins with a series of powerful groundstrokes.
She hit 33 winners and ended the match in style with a running forehand winner down the line.
“I was fine until the end,” Ostapenko said.