By Erik Gudris / Friday, January 3, 2014

 

In a meeting of former world No. 1s, Ana Ivanovic and Venus Williams will play in the ASB Classic final.

Photo Credit: AP

Two former world No. 1s, Ana Ivanovic and Venus Williams, will face off in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. At stake, a first title of the season and extra confidence heading into the upcoming Australian Open.

Williams, unseeded at the event, was granted a walkover in her semifinal against fellow American No. 5 seed Jamie Hampton, who suffered a right hip injury during practice. Auckland will be the first final for Williams since winning in Luxembourg two years ago.

In her semifinal, Ivanovic took on her doubles partner and friend, No. 3 seed Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium. It was Ivanovic in the first set who played nearly flawless tennis, and the Serbian took the first set 6-0 in just 21 minutes.

Flipkens finally got going in the second set. Staying even with Ivanovic on serve, she fought off two break points against her and soon held a 5-4 lead.

But Ivanovic eventually forced a tiebreak and went on to win 6-0, 7-6(3).

That set up the tantalizing final between Ivanovic and Williams with the American currently holding a commanding 8-1 lifetime head-to-head. Though she admitted her struggles against Williams in the past, Ivanovic looks forward to the finals.

"We all know what Venus is capable of, and she's been showing some good form this week too," Ivanovic said to WTA.com. "I've struggled with both Serena and Venus in the past. They both have a big serve, and it can be overwhelming at times. But over the years you get used to it and become more calm. There's no doubt it'll be a very, very tough match, but it's a matter of still doing the things I've worked on."