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Top two to battle for Doha crown
Source: Agencies |
February 18, 2013, Monday
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SERENA Williams faces the player she will replace this week as world No. 1, Victoria Azarenka, in the final of the Qatar Open after overcoming Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-2 in Doha on Saturday.
Top seed and defending champion Azarenka defeated Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 6-3 in the other semifinal.
It was the 10th time in succession that Williams, who at 31 will become the oldest women to hold top spot since computer rankings began in 1985, had beaten her Russian opponent.
"Maria always plays really well and is so consistent but I'm trying to be consistent as well," Williams told the WTA website.
The 15-time grand slam winner will officially take over as No. 1 when the rankings are released today.
Asked whether in her early days the American wondered if she might still be playing at 31, Williams replied: "I have nothing else to do. I'm still pretty good at tennis so why not? I'd just rather not sit at home all day."
Williams has a healthy career lead over Azarenka, having beaten the 23-year-old Belarussian in 11 of their 12 previous meetings, the only defeat coming in Miami in 2009.
"I just have to be consistent and really focused on my own game," said Azarenka who retained the Australian Open title last month.
Top seed and defending champion Azarenka defeated Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 6-3 in the other semifinal.
It was the 10th time in succession that Williams, who at 31 will become the oldest women to hold top spot since computer rankings began in 1985, had beaten her Russian opponent.
"Maria always plays really well and is so consistent but I'm trying to be consistent as well," Williams told the WTA website.
The 15-time grand slam winner will officially take over as No. 1 when the rankings are released today.
Asked whether in her early days the American wondered if she might still be playing at 31, Williams replied: "I have nothing else to do. I'm still pretty good at tennis so why not? I'd just rather not sit at home all day."
Williams has a healthy career lead over Azarenka, having beaten the 23-year-old Belarussian in 11 of their 12 previous meetings, the only defeat coming in Miami in 2009.
"I just have to be consistent and really focused on my own game," said Azarenka who retained the Australian Open title last month.
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