World No.1 Angelique Kerber has beaten Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 to set up a repeat of the 2013 Abierto Monterrey WTA final against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Kerber lost to the Russian Pavlyuchenkova four years ago in Mexico, but she delivered a statement of intent against Suarez Navarro in her semi-final.

After a first set which lasted over an hour and was settled by a tense tie-break, Kerber needed only 20 minutes to rattle through the second set and reach the final.

“It’s a completely new year and a new match,” Kerber said on BT Sport 2 when asked about the prospect of avenging that 2013 defeat to Pavlyuchenkova on Sunday.

“I think it will be a great atmosphere out here, I will try to enjoy the final and win it of course.”

Three-time winner Pavlyuchenkova booked her spot in the final with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Caroline Garcia.