Top seed Venus Williams has overcome her disappointing start to 2016 by defeating Japan’s Misaki Doi 6-4,6-2, to win the Taiwan Open.
The world No.12 has suffered back-to-back first round losses in Auckland and Melbourne on the WTA Tour prior to this week. Despite her slow start to the year, the American cruised to the final in Koahsiung without dropping a set. Awaiting Williams in the final was second seed and world No.61 Doi, who also didn’t drop a set on her way to the final.
Throughout the week the 35-year-old has encountered difficulty in her service games and the final was no exception. Williams started convincingly by Breaking Doi in the second game of the match before swiftly opening up a 3-0 lead. The positive start from the top seed was then halted by Doi, who broke Williams two consecutive times to claim four games in a row. Doi’s momentum was disrupted when Williams recovered the break by producing a backhand drive volley to level once again at 4-4. As Doi served to stay in the set, the former world No.1 increase her aggressiveness to race to two break points and more importantly two set points. She failed to convert either of them due to some impressive play from her Japanese rival, however, Williams was more fortunate with her third after a forehand from Doi slammed into the net.
Moving to one set away from her first title on 2016, the top seed still encountered resistance from Doi during the start of the second set. After two exchanges of breaks of serve, the set progressed with serve for five games before Williams dealt Doi another blow. The Japanese player was leading 40-15 before Williams battled back with some heaving striking to put the game at deuce. The 35-year-old then got the vital break after firing a blistering backhand down the line extended her lead to a set and 4-2. Admirably Doi kept fighting, but she was unable to find that little extra to spoil Williams momentum. The match was sealed after the world No.12 hit a clean backhand cross court winner.
In her final triumph, Williams produced nine double faults compared to only two aces. Despite the high number, the American won 58% of her service points compared to her opponents 45%.
The victory in Taiwan is Williams 49th WTA title, placing her seventh on the list for all-time WTA titles wins. The list is headed by tennis great Martina Navratilova, who won 167 titles during her career. Following Taiwan triumph, Williams praised the tournament.
“It’s wonderful to have women’s tennis here. It’s been too long, it’s the first time in 22 years,” The world No.12 said.
“It’s my first time in Taiwan, so thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for making me feel at home,” Williams added.
The victory in Taiwan has put Williams just 101 points away from re-entering the top 10.
Trophy ceremony
