By Tennis Now | Saturday, July 21, 2018

 

Petra Martic repelled Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the BRD Bucharest Open final.

Photo credit: BRD Bucharest Open Facebook

Petra Martic powered into her second WTA final and spoiled home hopes in the process.

The fourth-seeded Martic repelled Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the BRD Bucharest Open final.

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Martic will play for her first career title tomorrow when she faces Anastasija Sevastova in the final.

The top-seeded Sevastova held a 6-1 lead when opponent Polona Hercog retired from their semifinal.

The 60th-ranked Martic reached her first final since the 2012 Kuala Lumpur.

Martic had failed to surpass the second round in seven straight tournaments, but the Indian Wells quarterfinalist played with poise and purpose avenging a 4-6 6-3 6-2 loss to the Romanian left-hander in last month's Birmingham round of 16.

In their lone prior meeting, Martic swept Sevastova, 6-1, 6-1, at the 2017 Roland Garros.

The 28-year-old Sevastova is playing for her third career title and first since she won Mallorca last year.