Not since March 2016 had Victoria Azarenka featured in a singles final but the fifth seed will end that drought thanks to Saturday's win.
Sloane Stephens surrendered her unbeaten run against friend and compatriot Madison Keys in the Charleston Open on Friday.
Angelique Kerber and Garbine Muguruza reached the Monterrey Open quarter-finals.
As Caroline Wozniacki cruised, Madison Keys was forced into a battle at the Charleston Open.
A three-time Miami Open champion, Victoria Azarenka lost to French 19th seed Caroline Garcia in straight sets on Thursday.
Venus Williams overcame Petra Kvitova in a blockbuster second-round clash at the Indian Wells Open.
There were no major upsets in the women's singles on day four of the Australian Open, with Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka winning.
Garbine Muguruza will face Wang Qiang in the last four of the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai after Madison Keys pulled out.
Two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza was on the brink of being knocked out in Zhuhai, but rallied to reach the last four.
Anett Kontaveit, Madison Keys and Garbine Muguruza enjoyed group-stage victories in the WTA Elite Trophy on Wednesday.