WUHAN: Venus Williams captured her 47th WTA career title on Saturday, and her biggest in five years, when she won the Wuhan Open after Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza retired — making her the fifth player to pull out mid-match in the late-season tournament.

The 35-year-old American was leading Muguruza 6-3, 3-0 when the Spaniard retired with a left ankle injury, handing the title to Venus, who was already well on top and had won the last five games in a row.

“Well, this is a sad day today,” said Muguruza. “I’m very sorry I had to retire today, but I had a really amazing week here in Wuhan.”

A sympathetic Venus consoled Muguruza, one of the best young players in the game who had a tough semi-final with Germany’s Angelique Kerber, during the victory presentation.

“Congratulations Garbine for making the final,” Venus said. “I know you had a tough match yesterday — it’s not easy when you don’t play your best, and I probably didn’t have a chance if you felt well!”

Muguruza traded blows with Venus through most of the first set but suddenly dropped her level of play after the seventh game.

The 21-year-old lost the next five games on the trot before signalling she could not continue.

Both finalists are projected to make major moves up the rankings — Venus from No 24 to No 14 and Muguruza from No 8 to No 5, her top-five debut.

Published in Dawn October 4th, 2015

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