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Zvonareva sinks Wozniacki in Doha


 

Originally published on: 28/02/11 10:20

Vera Zvonareva denied Caroline Wozniacki her second consecutive title after beating the world No.1 in straight sets in Doha.

The Russian had struggled through her previous two rounds, rallying back from 3-5 down in the third set to see off Daniela Hantuchova in the quarter-finals before nabbing another three-set victory against Jelena Jankovic in the last four. But come the final, Zvonareva broke early and held her lead to see out the first set 6-4, before sealing the second by the same scoreline.

“Caroline is No.1 and playing very well,” said Zvonareva, who fired 30 winners in the match. “This is definitely a special moment for me, especially after that tough match against Daniela and another great one against Jelena. I have so many fans here it’s unbelievable. Because of them I was able to come through this week.”

Zvonareva had lost her last two tournaments, falling to Hantuchova in the last four in Pattaya City and to Alisa Kleybanova in round three in Dubai, but the win marked her 11th career-title, and her first of the year.

“Coming into this tournament I wasn’t expecting to end my week like this. It’s great,” said the Russian. “Congratulations to Caroline, though. She’s a great player and a great fighter. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of good matches.

Wozniacki, who had been seeking her 14th career title from 22 WTA Tour finals, said: I’m always disappointed to lose but I played a great competitor today.”

“Vera played a great match and a great tournament,” added the world No.1, who has now lost half of her eight WTA Tour meetings with Zvonareva. “I’m happy to be in the finals; it was another great tournament for me and I always enjoy being back in Doha. I will be back next year for sure.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.