By Dustin Dow
Enquirer staff writer

MASON - Lindsay Davenport should be well-rested for her championship match today in the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

The top-seeded Davenport did not have to play a semifinal match Saturday because her opponent, Marion Bartoli, withdrew because of a blister-like cyst on her right hand. That left Davenport to walk through to today's 1 p.m. final against No. 2 seed Vera Zvonareva.

After receiving a first-round bye, Davenport will play just her third match of the tournament today.

"I did come here to play matches," Davenport said. "I've already got two, and I'm assured a third (today). I just look forward to that and don't worry about what would have happened if I hadn't played or had played."

Davenport is trying to win her fourth straight tournament and 18th consecutive match. Since hinting at retirement after a semifinal loss in Wimbledon, the 28-year-old American has been one of the WTA's best players. As the No. 4-ranked player on the Tour, her performances at the Lindner Family Tennis Center have placed her among the contenders for a U.S. Open title.

But first, Davenport has to deal with No. 9 Zvonareva, to whom Davenport hasn't lost in four previous matches.

"Vera's had an excellent summer," Davenport said. "She's really played well."

The two have played three times this year, most recently at Wimbledon, with Davenport winning 6-1, 6-3. This is the first time they have met in a tournament final.

Zvonareva got here by defeating Amy Frazier 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-1 Saturday night.

Zvonareva reached the semifinals of her previous two tournaments, but this is her first final appearance since she won in Memphis in February.

"You never know what's going to happen," said Zvonareva, who is enjoying her highest career ranking. "I think I'm pretty confident in myself."

PATH TO THE FINAL

Lindsay Davenport

First round: bye

Second round: def. Lilia Osterloh 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

Quarterfinal: def. Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-2

Semifinal: def. Marion Bartoli in walkover

Vera Zvonareva

First round: bye

Second round: def. Antonella Serra Zanetti 6-4, 7-6 (3)

Quarterfinal: def. Shuai Peng 6-2, 6-2

Semifinal: def. Amy Frazier 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1

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E-mail ddow@enquirer.com