Venus wins Wuhan title after Muguruza retires
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!”