Saturday 22 February 2014

Dubai, Rio Final: Venus claims her 3rd consecutive Dubai title

Dubai final:

Venus Williams def. Alize Cornet 6-3 6-0


Venus Williams should be singing "This Is How You Do It" to Serena as she ruthlessly punished Alize Cornet to claim her first title in 2 years, and her third consecutive Dubai final. Venus has been on scintillating form all week, winning all her matches in straight sets. Showing no signs of her illness, she covered the court like in her peak, and boomed down serves like rockets. Maybe this is a sign that Venus is finally back, as she soars back into the top 30 with this win. Cornet's performance was lackluster compared to yesterday. She couldn't keep her emotions in check and was frankly whiny throughout the whole match. Still, no one can take away her big win over Serena Williams, so she can have that as a consolation.

Rio final:

Klara Zakopalova vs. Kurumi Nara


In the much overlooked tournament in Rio, Klara Zakopalova has been virtually unchallenged in her path to the finals. The top seed has yet to drop a set, and is the huge favourite to claim her first title since 2005(!). Nara has never reached a final before, so this will be a nervous match for the petite Japanese. Klara needs to be careful though, as Nara has improved a lot throughout last year. Even though she struggled with her concentration in her semi-final, Nara is capable of playing scrappy tennis and springing surprises. Still, I do think that Klara will clinch the title despite her customary final meltdown, as she has too much experience over Nara.

Pick: Zakopalova over Nara

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