Serena Williams Sets Record at Key Biscayne

30 Mar, 2013

Serena Williams danced to the crowd’s roar, spinning and grinning, hopping and waving, then spinning some more.

If her victory celebration on the stadium court seemed well-rehearsed, it was. She earned a record sixth Key Biscayne women’s title Saturday by beating familiar foil Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 at the Sony Open.

Sharapova set a new standard for futility in finals. She completed a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open last year, and won Indian Wells two weeks ago, but she’s now 0-5 in Key Biscayne finals.

Sharapova playing nearly flawless tennis for an hour, before her serve and groundstrokes began to lose steam. Williams swept the last 10 games and faltered only during the trophy ceremony.

“I felt good today,” she told the crowd with the smile. “It’s so good to be No. 6 now – I mean, the six-time – oh, gosh. Thank you.”

At 31, the No. 1-ranked Williams became the oldest female champion at Key Biscayne. She won the tournament for the first time since 2008 and surpassed Steffi Graf, a five-time champion.

“Serena played a great match,” Sharapova said. “I’m sure we’ll be playing a few more times this year.”

She’ll remain No. 1 and Sharapova No. 2 next week. Williams is the first No. 1-seeded woman to win the title since she was champion in 2004.

Williams’ other titles at Key Biscayne came in 2002, `03, `07 and `08. Sharapova was runner-up in 2005, `06, `11 and `12.

AP

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