Serena Williams won her first ever title in at the Western and Southern Open, beating Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-1. The Serb made a strong start, breaking Williams in the first game of the match and seemed committed to being aggressive on the intimidating Williams serve, often standing inside the baseline. But Serena found her serve, breaking back in the sixth game for 3-3. After that, Ivanovic appeared to be feeling the effects of a long and emotional match win last night over Maria Sharapova. And Williams began to play her best tennis of this North American hard court swing, the lead-up to the US Open, which begins in 8 days.
Ivanovic, having the winningest season of any woman on tour, will be back in the top 10 when the rankings come out tomorrow. Serena, one month shy of her 33rd birthday, goes into the next Slam as the heavy favorite. She is looking for her 18th Major title, which would tie her with Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. And having won the US Open tune-up season, she would also collect a bonus, should she win the title in New York…a payday of $4 million dollars.
[divider]
Cover Photo (Creative Commons License): Marianne Bevis