Caroline Wozniacki is into the ASB Classic final, but was tested to the limit by Barbora Zahlavova- Strycova.
The Dane was at one stage down a set and a break, before fighting back to win 4-6 6-3 6-4.
The Czech player put in an amazing effort, in a match that stretched more than two and a half hours. She defended an incredible 13 break points during the first set alone, including eight in the sixth game when leading 3-2. Wozniacki made some errors for some of them but most were saved by pinpoint serving or clutch volleys.
The sixth game lasted for 12 deuces and it was a key game mentally. Wozniacki kept fighting but seemed to lose focus; she had Zahlavova Strycova at 0-40, 3-4 but again couldn't convert and soon the set was gone.
Wozniacki had to come back and did. After the players traded breaks at the beginning of the second set, Wozniacki broke the Czech midway through the set and held on.