Svitolina breezes past Rus, will face Bouzkova in Monterrey final

The World No.7 dropped just one game in a dominant display on Saturday, defeating Arantxa Rus 6-0 6-1 in 50 minutes.

After fighting past in-form Canadian Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals, the top seed faced an old foe in Rus. The Dutchwoman had emerged victorious when the two met at an ITF event in France nine years ago. However, Svitolina was considerably less experienced at that point, being barely 16 years of age.

With vengeance on her mind, Elina Svitolina was in complete control during their semifinal encounter. The Ukrainian won the first seven games of the match before Rus finally registered her lone game on the scoreboard.

The outcome was never in question, as the top seed won 83% of her first serves, hitting five aces in the process.

Svitolina advances to her first final since reaching the final at the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen last year.

Awaiting Svitolina is ninth seed Marie Bouzkova, who upset second-seed Brit Johanna Konta in the day's other semifinal. Bouzkova saved all five break points faced to escape with a 6-3 6-4 victory over the World No.16.

Bouzkova is yet to drop a set this week, and seems to enjoy playing in Mexico. The World No.57 has won two ITF events in the country, and is strongly supported by the local fans whenever she steps on court.

The Czech will be competing in her first career WTA final when she faces Svitolina on Sunday. The two have met once before, at the Guangzhou Open last year. Bouzkova prevailed 6-4 4-3 after Svitolina retired due to right knee pain.

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