Venus Williams captures Luxembourg Crown – BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open 2012
Former world number one, Venus Williams, recreated her old magic at the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open 2012, eventually stealing the show and capturing her 44th career title. She jolted down a 6-2, 6-3 victory against the Romanian starlet, Monica
Niculescu, at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) International-level tournament held in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Entering the tournament ranked at 41st in the WTA Premier Rankings, Williams re-kindled her spark to capture her first title in two and half years. She needed one hour and 23 minutes to outshine Niculescu in their first battle against each other.
The Jubilant American stated in a courtside interview after conquering Luxembourg:
"I had to work so hard to get to the final - the match against Andrea was so challenging, and the two matches before as well, and even my first round I had to stay really focused. Monica was in her second final here so she obviously feels really good on
this court. You have to hit five, six, seven shots more than usual. It can be frustrating. She's tricky. You have to be ready."
Williams stormed into this event as she broke her rival’s opening serve and jumped to a 3-0 lead. Williams carried her remaining serves with poise and capitalised on another break chance in the last game, eventually sealing the opener by winning six games
to two.
The American Icon maintained consistency in his game in the proceeding set. She got the coveted break in the second game and took a 2-0 lead. Despite losing her serve in the very next game, Williams cashed another break chance in the sixth game and clinched
the set with a 6-3 score line.
The 32-year-old produced a lower first serve share but spectacularly clicked 25 out of 39 points on it. She sealed the deal with 64 points and ruled throughout the match.
Williams was looking forward to become a seeded player at the Australian Open after playing at this indoor hard court event.
She reflected, "My main goal coming here was to make the Top 32 and be seeded going into the Australian Open. I hope I'm somewhere in the Top 32 now.”
After ruling this tournament, Williams climbed to the world number 24 and pocketed the prize money.
Tags: