It was a fourth career title for Bacsinszky and a first on clay for last year’s French Open semifinalist.
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It took more than 2-1/2 hours for world 186th-ranked New Zealander Erakovic to beat 97th-ranked Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands 2-6 7-6 7-5.
Bertens had the chance to book her spot in the final when serving at 5-3 up in the second set, only to hand the break straight back.
“I know Timea and we used to play juniors together and played a match past year at Indian Wells which was a tight three setter”, Erakovic told Radio Sport.
Erakovic, ranked 186h, reached her first clay-court final and her fifth overall.
Marina Erakovic hits a smash during her second round match with Alexandra Dulgheru at the ASB Classic. “It’s nice to win those sorts of matches, it’s very tough and challenging but it does mean a lot”.
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Marina Erakovic will face top seed and world number 15 Timea Bacsinszky.
