Kvitova, Halep reach New Haven final
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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.
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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.
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This final U.S. Open tune-up will pay its newest champion $117,000.