[1]France’s Arvane Rezai upset the formbook with a 6-2, 7-5 upset win over Venus Williams to win the title at the Madrid Masters here on Sunday.
Despite the massive shock on the Spanish clay, Williams will still return to the world number two WTA ranking on Monday.
The American, who turns 30 next month, was denied the 10th clay honour of her career by the fighting French challenger ranked 24th. Rezai rallied from 4-1 down in the second set after winning the first to take victory in just under one and three-quarter hours.
“I just cannot believe this, said the stunned winner.
“She played very well and I've always respected her as a player and a champion. I just tried my best today and it worked well for me.”
Williams, winner of nine clay titles, limited herself to one sentence during the painful trophy ceremony: “She played well, congratulations,” said the American who despite the setback will return to the world number two ranking on Monday behind sister Serena.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal fears the huge game of Roger Federer in the final as the elite rivals set up a re-run of their 2009 title match which was won by the world number one Swiss. The title clash will be the pair’s 21st meeting with Nadal holding the advantage at 13 wins to seven. Nadal moved onto the cusp of more ATP history with his stirring 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 defeat of fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sp2jpg-546