Daniela Hantuchova and Kaia Kanepi will meet on Saturday in an unexpected Brisbane International finalYou can watch and bet on Hantuchova v Kanepi live for free at bet365 > live tennisDaniela Hantuchova was trailing 7-6(4), 1-3 in her semi-final at the Brisbane against tournament favourite Kim Clijsters on Friday, but she finds herself in the final following the retirement of the Belgian. Clijsters was in superb form throughout the week, and it seemed like only an injury could stop her.
The former world No. 1, no stranger to being injured, was having difficulties with her left hip. “I just felt my left hip getting tighter and tighter to the point where I felt like I couldn't go forward with my upper body or put any pressure (on her left leg) when I was landing on my serve,” remarked Clijsters.
“I felt it might spasm completely and the muscle would tear. So the smartest choice was to not let it get any worse to be ready for Melbourne. If everything comes out okay tomorrow then it should take a little under a week to get completely healed. That's what I'm obviously hoping for and aiming for. I do have a good feeling about it,” continued Clijsters.
Hantuchova will now face Kaia Kanepi in Saturday’s final. Kanepi has been making a habit of giant killing this week, and she certainly impressed the fans in Brisbane by thrashing Francesca Schiavone 6-3, 6-0. Schiavone seemed a little tired following her marathon quarter-final, but Kanepi’s display was worthy of praise. Following this performance, she may well be the favourite to win the competition now.
