TENNIS – Sara Errani had no illusion that she could beat Serena Williams in the final of the Internazionali d’Italia 2014 since she had never beaten her in any of their 6 previous meetings. Nonetheless, at the end of the match when the American won 6-3 6-0, the Italian was in still in tears apologizing profusely to her home crowd for her poor showing. Cordell Hackshaw
Interviews, results, order of play, draws of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome
Sara Errani (10) had no illusion that she could beat Serena Williams (1) in the final of the Internazionali d’Italia 2014 since she had never beaten her in any of their 6 previous meetings. Nonetheless, at the end of the match when the American won 6-3 6-0, the Italian was in still in tears apologizing profusely to her home crowd for her poor showing. Despite all this, it goes without saying that whatever doubts there were about Williams defending her French Open title, they were all quieted with her empathic performance here this week. Williams picked up her 60th career titles, third here in Roma (2002, 2013-2014) and has the most clay-court titles of active female players on tour.
Williams raced out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first set. There was not much for the Italian crowd to cheer about but Errani soon gave them cause to shout for her. Williams began making careless errors and failed to convert on break point for a 4-0 lead. Williams would commit 16 errors in the 1st set alone. Errani put her trademark defensive skills and converted on her 3rd break point to get back on serve 3-4. Like most great champions, they come up with their best stuff when faced with adversity. Williams quickly broke back at love and was to serve for the set 5-3. At this point, it appeared as though Errani pulled a muscle in her thigh and called out the trainer. A 5-minute break of play for Errani to be treated did little stop Williams from closing out the set 6-3.
In the 2nd set, Errani capitulated as it was clear that she could not run after shots with injury. Williams on the other hand was a study of concentration and textbook tennis. She dropped only two points on serve with 15 winners and converted on all three of the break points she earned. It was a matter of formality as Williams closed out the match 6-3 6-0. Williams is now 53-2 on clay since 2012. Errani should not be discouraged by this performance as she has had a fabulous week beating two top 10 players on her way to the final and getting to the doubles finals with partner Roberta Vinci. It is strange that we are seeing huge hitters like Williams and Maria Sharapova being so dominant on clay but right now, they are the best players on the surface for the past 3 years. It is going to be an interesting French Open and tennis fans eagerly await the start on May 25.