Tennis: Career-best run propels in-form Julia Goerges into ASB Classic final

Julia Goerges celebrates her win over Su-Wei Hsieh. Photo / Photosport

Julia Goerges is the most in-form player in world tennis, and even she is surprised by her incredible run.

Goerges has a chance to win her third consecutive title tomorrow at the ASB Classic; following victories in China and Russia to close out her 2017 campaign.

The 29-year-old hasn't lost a match since October, reeling off 13 straight wins. Two of those victories came today, both in convincing fashion as she romped into the final.

The world number 14 beat Polona Hercog 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals, before returning mere hours later to sweep past Su-Wei Hsieh 6-1, 6-4.

It has booked her an anticipated finale tomorrow against top seed Caroline Wozniacki, and while the Danish star has the pedigree, Goerges has played just as well, if not better, on her way to the final.

A title would be just rewards for her persistence, with Goerges visiting Auckland every year since 2010, but yet to raise the trophy. She came closest in 2016, when she lost in the final to Sloane Stephens.

Now though, Goerges has a golden chance to cash in on her stellar form, and continue a career-best run which has been a pleasant revelation.

"It's quite a streak, I must say. I didn't quite expect in going into the new year, two titles was already amazing to me.

"Winning big events, that's something that I haven't done before, especially the way I'm playing and the way I'm handling situations, I have never done it that well."

She had to handle tough situations today, being forced to grind through two matches in quick succession, in windy and drizzly conditions. Goerges says staying strong mentally was pivotal.

"It's never easy having those moments – you have to be fresh for the next point but you don't know actually when it's going to happen. It's more mental toughness than physical toughness.

"That's what I'm really proud of today – I got my game going somehow, it was not easy in both matches. Mentally I was very proud of myself, the way I handled those situations."

The unprecedented success comes hand-in-hand with a new perspective, with Goerges more relaxed and appreciative of her success over the past year.

"It's nice when the results are coming, but at the same time, if you enjoy your life it's more worth it than winning a tennis match."

At the moment, Goerges is acing both objectives.