Venus books final berth
Monday, 10 November 2008
DOHA, Nov 09 (Internet): Venus Williams is on the verge of adding to her laundry list of accomplishments.
The eighth-ranked American advanced to the final of the WTA Championships Saturday with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory over world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic.
Williams has won 38 titles during her illustrious career, but the 28-year-old has never captured this prestigious year-end event.
Awaiting the seven-time Grand Slam champion in Sunday's final is tournament surprise Vera Zvonareva, who capped a remarkable week with a 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 6-3 victory over fellow Russian Elena Dementieva.
Williams improved to 4-0 for the tournament and is on an eight-match winning streak, having won her most recent event in Zurich prior to coming here.
"What got me through the match was just being consistent at the right times," Williams said.
"My game is about being aggressive and taking chances, but what I really needed to do today was put a lot more balls in play and be a little smarter. I played a little more defensively that I usually do, but it was worth it."
Already guaranteed the year-end No. 1 ranking regardless of the outcome here, Jankovic had won five of the last six meeting with Williams - who now trails 5-4 in the all-time series.
"I really fought hard this week, and Venus was the better one," Jankovic said. "She made less errors. What can I do? The season is over for me. That was my last match of the year.
"Of course it's disappointing to lose. But overall, when I look at finishing as the No.1 player in the world, I can only be proud, and I can look at it in a positive way. I can go to vacation with a smile on my face."
A two-time reigning Wimbledon champion, Williams is no doubt considered the favourite to win Sunday's championship.
The eighth-ranked American advanced to the final of the WTA Championships Saturday with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory over world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic.
Williams has won 38 titles during her illustrious career, but the 28-year-old has never captured this prestigious year-end event.
Awaiting the seven-time Grand Slam champion in Sunday's final is tournament surprise Vera Zvonareva, who capped a remarkable week with a 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 6-3 victory over fellow Russian Elena Dementieva.
Williams improved to 4-0 for the tournament and is on an eight-match winning streak, having won her most recent event in Zurich prior to coming here.
"What got me through the match was just being consistent at the right times," Williams said.
"My game is about being aggressive and taking chances, but what I really needed to do today was put a lot more balls in play and be a little smarter. I played a little more defensively that I usually do, but it was worth it."
Already guaranteed the year-end No. 1 ranking regardless of the outcome here, Jankovic had won five of the last six meeting with Williams - who now trails 5-4 in the all-time series.
"I really fought hard this week, and Venus was the better one," Jankovic said. "She made less errors. What can I do? The season is over for me. That was my last match of the year.
"Of course it's disappointing to lose. But overall, when I look at finishing as the No.1 player in the world, I can only be proud, and I can look at it in a positive way. I can go to vacation with a smile on my face."
A two-time reigning Wimbledon champion, Williams is no doubt considered the favourite to win Sunday's championship.