(Rank/Seed)
As I predicted, (1/1) Williams produced her best tennis to defy (3/3) Azarenka 61 63, claiming her 51st career title and extending her winning streak to 24.
1st Set
The score line was belying. Azarenka had numerous chances in the first few games; she led 40-0 in the 1st game and had several break points on Serena's serve in her first two service games but couldn't convert. A 3-1 deficit could've been a 3-1 lead. Serena was brilliant, hitting winners even on the run and off the defence as Azarenka made too many errors as she rushed her shots.
2nd Set
Once again Azarenka missed out on the crucial points. Having been broken for 4-2, she broke back and had a 40-15 lead in her following service game. Still, Serena was too good, hitting 41 winners throughout the match compared to just 19 unforced errors. Her 8th and 9th aces set up championship point, which she converted on a back hand winner up the line to win her first Italian Open since 2002!
It was a real master class from Serena as she takes a 12-2 head to head lead against Azarenka. Azarenka played poorly really, though that was largely down to the constant pressure she was under. Will anyone stop Serena in Paris now? It seems very unlikely!
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