New Haven, CT – Reigning champion Petra Kvitova and surging Romanian Simona Halep each earned a spot in the New Haven Open final with straight-set victories on Friday.
The third-seeded Kvitova eased into her second straight New Haven final with an efficient 6-0, 6-1 victory over fellow Czech Klara Zakopalova in a mere 50 minutes on the hardcourts at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University.
The former Wimbledon champion Kvitova topped Russian Maria Kirilenko in last year's New Haven finale.
The 21-year-old Halep faced a bit more resistance against fourth-seeded former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, but secured a meeting against Kvitova with a 6-2, 7-5 triumph.
Halep is seeking her fourth title in her last seven tournaments overall, while the 23-year-old Kvitova will appear in her 14th career WTA final, seeking an 11th title. Kvitova is 1-1 in her 2013 title tilts, with the victory coming in Dubai back in February.
Kvitova and Halep have never faced each other.
This final U.S. Open tune-up will pay its newest champion $117,000.
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