Williams nets 7th Key Biscayne title
Published: 30 Mar. 2014, 21:28
Serena Williams hits a backhand during the women’s final of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center on Saturday.[USATODAY/NEWS1]
Williams won a record seventh Key Biscayne title Saturday when she overcame a slow start and a set point to beat Li Na 7-5, 6-1 at the Sony Open.
She surpassed the tournament record of six titles she shared with Andre Agassi.
“I was actually super excited at the end,” Williams said, “because I remember sitting here last year trying to get to six, thinking, ‘OK, obviously I want seven, but I don’t want to put the pressure on myself to get to seven.’ Obviously I wanted to have the most titles here.’’
No. 1-ranked Williams looked tense at the outset and served poorly, and she was broken twice to fall behind 5-2.
“At that moment I felt like I had nothing to lose,’’ Williams said. “I just was able to relax. Whenever I relax, I enjoy myself.’’
Li held a set point serving at 5-4, but Williams erased it with a backhand winner.
Williams needed 21 minutes more pull out the set. The final game went to deuce six times, but she finally won it with a booming backhand Li couldn’t handle.
Williams ran to her chair with a satisfied scream, her left fist leading the way. She dominated from there, sweeping the final five games.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion has more titles at Key Biscayne than at any other tournament.
AP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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