Azarenka gains California final

Carlsbad, CA – Top overall seed Victoria Azarenka advanced to Sunday's final at the $795,000 Southern California Open.

In the early semifinal, the 24-year-old Belarusian took down seventh-seed Ana Ivanovic in 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 fashion in just under two hours. In the process, Azarenka won the third straight meeting and improved her lifetime record to 4-2 against her Serbian opponent.

Azarenka, who has already captured two titles this season, awaits Samantha Stosur in the final. The fifth-seeded Stosur won the late semifinal match, ousting French wild card Virginie Razzano in a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 decision.

Stosur, who will aim for her fourth career title, has never beaten Azarenka in eight matches.

The 2013 Carlsbad titlist will claim $125,000.