Ivanovic books final date with Venus

Venus Williams will face Ana Ivanovic in the final of the ASB Classic as two former world number ones meet in Auckland today.

Williams did not even have to pick up a racquet in order to book her spot after fifth seed Jamie Hampton was forced to withdraw after suffering a hip injury in practice.

By contrast, Serb Ivanovic resisted a second-set fightback from third seed Kirsten Flipkens to qualify 6-0 7-6 (7/3).