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Errani, Strycova Reach Final of Dubai Championships

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Sara Errani of Italy and Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic advanced to the Dubai Championships final on Friday.

The 22nd-ranked Errani defeated 21st-ranked Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 6-4, 6-4. Errani was a Dubai finalist in 2013, losing to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic.

The 1-hour, 51-minute semifinal featured long rallies and games, eight service breaks in 20 service break opportunities.

Errani's experience finally prevailed with a final service break in the ninth game of the first set, and seventh game of the second set.

"It was really tough," said Errani, who will be vying for her ninth career WTA title.