(February 17, 2013) In the battle of No. 1’s – new No. 1 Serena Williams as of Monday, fell to current No. 1 Victoria Azarenka 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 to win the Qatar Open on Sunday.
Azarenka who will be replaced for Williams as the top player on Monday defended her Doha title from last year for her 16th WTA title
“I played really well this entire week, Azarenka said. It’s never easy to play five matches every day with the best players in the world – but I’m glad I was really consistent this week and achieved my goal.”
Azarenka snapped a nine–match losing streak to Williams.
“I always respect Victoria,” Williams said. I think she’s a really good player. Obviously she’s so consistent and she plays well. She’s such a solid player. It’s nice to always play someone and go home and you’re like, ‘Okay, I didn’t do great, but let me work harder.’ I think that she inspires a lot of people to work harder, and definitely me.”
Williams ascends to World No.1 on Monday for the 6th time to be come at 31, the oldest ever WTA player to hold the top spot.
QATAR TOTAL OPEN
Doha, Qatar
February 11-17, 2013
$2,369,000/Premier
Hard/Outdoors
Results - Sunday, February 17, 2013
Singles – Final
(1) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 76(6) 26 63
Doubles – Final
(1) Errani/Vinci (ITA/ITA) d. (2) Petrova/Srebotnik (RUS/SLO) 26 63 106 (Match TB)
