• WTA Tour

Venus too strong for Azarenka

ESPN staff
February 20, 2010
Venus Williams proved far too strong for Victoria Azarenka © Getty Images
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Finals day in Dubai

Venus Williams successfully defended her Dubai World Tennis Championship final with a 6-3 7-5 win over Victoria Azarenka.

The No. 3 seed was made to work hard in the second set after easing through the first, but was able to close out the match in one hour and 31 minutes for her 42nd career title.

One break of serve, in game six, was enough for Williams to take the opening set and she secured an early break in the second. However, Azarenka broke back to level the second at 3-3.

Williams upped her level towards the end of the second set and became the first person to defend the Dubai title since Justine Henin in 2007.

Williams has been troubled by a knee injury, but feels she is managing the issue.

"I'm definitely starting to feel better," she said. "It's been a learning curve in managing the playing and keep the swelling (of the knee) down. I don't usually talk about my injuries this much, but I am excited about what is happening."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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