Azarenka to face Safarova in Qatar Open final

DOHA, Qatar (AP) Victoria Azarenka reached the final of the Qatar Open on Friday after recovering from one set down to beat Venus Williams.

The two-time champion Azarenka, beat Williams 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

''Venus was kicking my butt left and right and I didn't know what to do. In the second set I took control,'' said Azarenka.

She will face Lucie Safarova in Saturday's final, after she beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3, 6-2 in the other semi.

The Czech No.3 hardly broke any sweat in the 77 minute encounter in which Navarro committed 21 unforced errors.

''It's so exciting! I've been playing so well in all my matches, so I'm happy. I worked really hard in the off season and my level has been going up, so I'm enjoying playing,'' said Safarova.