Kleybanova, Djokovic bask in title triumphs
Source: Agencies |
March 1, 2010, Monday
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ALISA Kleybanova won her first WTA title at the Malaysian Open yesterday, beating top-seeded Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-2 in an all-Russian final in Kuala Lumpur.
The 21-year-old Kleybanova dominated the Olympic champion, using her raw power and booming first serve to earn most of her points. Once described as the new Monica Seles due to her aggressive play, Kleybanova served four aces in the first set.
"It has been a tough week with many tough sets and matches. I'm just so happy to finally claim my first title," fourth seed Kleybanova said.
"I've been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments. Everything came together in the final and I would like to thank Elena for the good match."
Dementieva, considered the best player without a grand slam title, had cruised into the final without dropping a set. She had lost her serve only twice in four previous matches, but Dementieva was broken twice in the first set yesterday.
Earlier, second-seeded Zheng Jie of China and Chan Yung-jan of Chinese Taipei defeated sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova 6-7 (4), 6-2, 10-7 to win the doubles title.
The duo won their first title in just their second event together, and earned US$22,000 for the victory.
Zheng had previously won 12 doubles titles and Chan nine with different partners.
Anastasia Rodionova, who is now an Australian citizen, and younger sister Arina, who is Russian, crumbled in the second set when Zheng and Chan improved their serve.
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Novak Djokovic defended his Dubai Championships title yesterday, beating Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in the rain-affected final.
Leading 7-5, 2-0 before rain suspended play on Saturday, the second-seeded Serb was to made to work hard to win his 17th career title in a match lasting 3 hours, 21 minutes.
Djokovic collected US$383,000.
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