Carla Suarez Navarro says hard work in the WTA Tour's off-season is behind for her rise into the world rankings' highest echelons.

The 12th seed's semi-final victory over Andrea Petkovic at the Miami Open on Thursday ensured her of a maiden appearance inside the WTA Tour's top 10, and earned her a crack at world number one Serena Williams in Saturday's final.

Suarez Navarro has been inside the top 20 since mid-2013, but took the next step by advancing to her first WTA Premier final.

The 26-year-old is now hoping she can continue her upward trend all the way to the top of the rankings.

"I was practising really hard during the off-season," the Spaniard said.  "Also every day during tournaments. 

"I have more experience. I know more about all the players. I play a lot of important matches in big tournaments so maybe that's why [I've improved].

"I feel so happy. It's so important for me. I was practising during all this year with my team for moments like this.

"Normally all tennis players want to be number one. But the first step is being top 100, top 50, top 10.

"And you never know, but I want to be number one."

Williams has an imposing 4-0 head-to-head record against Suarez Navarro. Of the two matches they have played on hard courts, the American has taken three of the four sets 6-0.