Daniela Hantuchova has defeated Ana Ivanovic 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the AEGON Classic to move into Sunday's final.
The Slovakian fourth seed recovered from dropping the first set on a tie-break to rebound and win the next two including five games in a row from 1-2 down in the third.
In a close first set, Ivanovic, the second seed and marginal favourite, prevailed in the tie break 7-2. But Hantuchova was not defeated:
She said: "I always kept fighting. I am really pleased with how I played in the third set. I felt like my confidence was growing through the match. I wanted to win so badly, the grass court season means so much to me."
It seems the British weather took its toll on the Serbian former world No.1. After a rain delay at the start of the third set she won only one game out of seven when she came back onto the court.
The Serb said: "It was really disappointing, the last couple of games there was not really the intensity [from me]. It was a tough match definitely, I had plenty of opportunities. I started off really well and created a lot of chances for myself."
Ivanovic was still able to take the positives out of the tournament. She added: "It is great to have a few wins. This is the first time I have won four matches in a row for a long time. I was actually able to unpack [this week]."
Hantuchova will play Sabine Lisicki at 10am tomorrow. "I have nothing to lose," said the Slovakian who will go in as the favourite, "I don't want to put any pressure on myself but I am definitely hungry for another title."
