Venus beats Razzano to win Dubai title

posted on 22/02/2009: 40 views

She said she had a bad week but got lucky in the end. Venus Williams of the US of A outclassed Virginie Razzano in straight sets to emerge champion in the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships here on Saturday.

This is Williams 40th singles career titles and seventh victory in her last eight final appearances. The Wimbledon champion, though was not in the peak of form on a cool Saturday evening. But her performance was adequate enough to defeat her determined, courageous French opponent 6-4 6-2 for her first title triumph in three attempts.

Razzano, ranked way lower than Venus, showed lot of promises as the match began at the Aviation Club's centre court. Displaying the right temperament, the French girl held on to her serve well and did not give Williams any room or chance to

dominate the contest.

Halfway through the first set, Razzano had to call for a physio after complaining of a back spasm that saw the game stopped for a brief while. Despite the treatment she seemed to be in serious pain and her game stuttered. From then on she was not at her best. Latching on to the opportunity, Williams broke her in the 10th game to win the first set.

The start of the second set went very much on the expected lines as Williams took an immediate 4-0 lead and was cruising smoothly towards victory. Razzano did provide a brief resistance but only could delay the inevitable before succumbing after an hour and 36 minutes of good tennis.

Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gave away the trophies. Williams received a cheque for US$3,50,000 while the runner-up got US$1,75,000.

Venus said: "It was a wonderful tournament. I really enjoyed playing here. I thank God for letting me come here and to stay healthy.” Earlier in the evening Carla Black and Leizel Huber, the world's best doubles players, outplayed Maria Kirilenko and Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3 6-3 to win the doubles event for the third time in a row. – Khaleej Times

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