Jelena Jankovic plays Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final of the Whirlpool Monterrey Open.
Pavlyuchenkova faces a tough ask to defend her title against the top seed and former world number one but the Russian looked sublime in her semi-final, making light work of the in-form Gisela Dulko. The first set was initially tightly contested but then Pavlyuchenkova broke away and ended up winning comfortably 6-4, 6-1.
"I'm really happy to make the final again. That was my goal when I came here," Pavlyuchenkova said. "Tonight I felt so much support from the crowd. They're the reason I was looking forward to being back here so much - I love them."
It looks set to be a thrilling finale to the week as Jankovic cruised past Slovenia's rising star Polona Hercog 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday. With both women at the top of their game, it should be one to savour.
"Jelena has a lot of experience and has had great tournaments the last few weeks; in a way I have nothing to lose," Pavlyuchenkova said. "It's a dream final for me."
Pavlyuchenkova has a perfect record in finals so far in her short career, winning the only two she's contested. Jankovic in contrast is a veteran of these big matches. This will be her 25th WTA final. To date she's won 12 titles.
Pavlyuchenkova has won the only previous match between the two, stunning Jankovic 6-4, 6-4 as a 17 year old back in Indian Wells 2009.
Expect a three setter this time but Jankovic to gain her revenge.
