Caroline Wozniacki defeats Svetlana Kuznetsova to win the Dubai Duty Free Championships 2011
World number one Caroline Wozniacki lifted her thirteenth career title as she defeated the Russian star, Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2011 on Sunday.
Following her conclusive win over Jelena Jankovic in the semifinal 7-5, 6-3, the world number one strengthened her position in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings with another career triumph, as she overpowered her opponent in straight sets to secure
the title within 74 minutes.
Wozniacki, who managed not to drop a set during the tournament, made a meaningful start to the match and made her intensions clear when she broke Kuznetsova’s serve in the second game. Kuznetsova immediately broke back to level the score, but lost her next
two serve games to hand over the first set 6-1 to the Dane. By the end of first set, the former world number two had already committed a whopping 14 unforced errors.
The second set went equally smooth for Wozniacki, as she bagged a double serve break to win her first title 6-1, 6-3 at the Aviation Club. The world number one also pocketed a check of 360,000 dollars and a valuable 900 ranking points for her tremendous
effort. Princess Haya Bint Hussein, wife of Vice-president of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the trophies.
“It feels amazing,” said Wozniacki. “I came a week early to prepare and I felt really good out there. I was hitting the ball clean and I stayed aggressive; I knew I had to because if she dictates, she is too strong. ”
Kuznetsova stated the previous evening that she will have to be at her absolute best to avoid defeat similar to that of 2004 and 2008 finals. However, she failed to execute her plans after the onslaught by the 20-year-old challenger, as her back-hand shots
went off-target and landed outside the lines.
The Russian, who looked unplayable in the semi-finals against Falvia Pennetta, was short on confidence at the baseline and reluctant to go close to the net. In frustration, Kuznetsova also banged her racket against her own head during the match.
“I made too many mistakes,” Kuznetsova said afterwards. “For me it is frustrating because I didn’t play my good game. If I had played my good game, it would have been different. I am actually enjoying how I am playing, but I didn’t play to my ability. That
is why I am disappointed.”
This is the first Tour title for Wozniacki since her win Beijing in October last year. With this win, the world number one maintained her winning streak over Kuznetsova as she defeated her in their previous three meetings. Wozniacki planned to celebrate
her victory quietly over dinner with her friends, as the next morning she would see herself still the world’s number one player.
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