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Slovakian Cibulkova thrashed Elise Mertens of
Belgium 6-1 6-3, before Gavrilova upset top seed Agnieszka
Radwanska 6-4 6-4 in an entertaining nightcap on the outdoor
hardcourt in New Haven.
World number 11 Cibulkova has won eight career titles, including
four in a stellar 2016, but is still seeking a breakthrough this
year.
The 28-year-old was far too good for Mertens.
"After not an easy year for me, I'm finding my form. I'm really
happy to start it here," Cibulkova said after advancing to her
first final of 2017.
Gavrilova had a tougher match against former world number two
Radwanska.
Wearing her heart on her sleeve, an emotional Gavrilova used a
powerful forehand to good effect, hitting a series of winners
against her more stoic Polish opponent.
After nervously netting a forehand groundstroke to squander her
first match point, Gavrilova made no mistake on her next chance
to advance to her third career final.
"I trusted my game plan and I think I executed it very well,"
Gavrilova said.
"I was pretty aggressive and taking chances whenever I could on
her second serve."
Heading into next week's U.S. Open, Saturday's Connecticut final
will offer the 23-year-old Gavrilova a chance for her first
career title.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by
Ian Ransom)
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