"You know, that's normal. And that's what I want to improve on, is just being able to play on the tight points, which I've [not] been doing really well. But this is a really big tournament outside of a Grand Slam. I haven't been winning a lot of big tournaments, so it was pretty cool. It was just a big moment for me," said the Champion.
The American got over the importance of the moment quickly, serving out the match with aces, and celebrated as if she still were that teenager. "You know, just going through so much and being able to win is even more amazing," Williams explained her feelings to the media after the match.
Sunday's Short Parting
The quirks of Serena Williams' low post-injury ranking will be demonstrated next week, when Sunday's finalists could meet again in the Second Round in Cincinnati.
Stosur, who was seemingly unaware of her draw at the Western & Southern Open, did not come off too intimidated, even following Sunday's loss. Asked about what she will need to do differently to defeat the American, Stosur responded, "I think I've got to always go back at her and try and play aggressively... I don't think it's a matter of really changing a lot in the game plan. It's maybe trying to execute a bit better and just always go out there and try and play as best you can."
Williams also looks forward to the rematch: "You know, we're both playing, you know, really intense and really well, and we'll see how it goes."
Sunday's One Hand Guides the OtherDoubles veterans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond came out on top Sunday, taking their first title as a team. However, the victory was somewhat empty, coming as a result of the American team's opponents' withdrawal. Belarus' Victoria Azarenka and Russia's Maria Kirilenko defaulted the Final, citing Azarenka's right hand injury. During the trophy ceremony, the culprit – Azarenka, not her right hand - apologized profusely to the fans for her inability to play, but the timing of the withdrawal was rather suspect with the impending rain; no doubt Azarenka and Kirilenko both want to be fresh for singles play in upcoming Cincinnati.
Sunday's She Forgot to Thank Her Husband
Despite not spending any time playing a tennis match today, Huber still put in plenty of time on court – in her winner's speech. Huber talked at length about her admiration for the singles' finalists' skills and level of play, her gratitude to partner Raymond, to the tournament sponsors and organizers, to the fans, and her hopes and dreams for Azarenka and Kirilenko's health and good fortune. With rain imminent, photographers and tournament officials were eager to see players pose with their trophies for photos, but Huber powered on. In the end, Raymond had to literally pull her partner away from the microphone.
Q: Why did the sunglasses come off in the later stages?
Samantha Stosur: Because it got darker.
Sunday's Free Lesson
Want to see how your backhand matches up to Andre Agassi's? No problem! Just yell some insults at Jim Courier. When a spectator mocked Courier's skills in his Legends match against Agassi this morning, Courier stopped play and invited his heckler to take his place on court. The man did not hesitate, and, after being briefly chased by security, was allowed on court. Despite serving double faults, including one underhand, the brave fan showed no shame, making fun of Courier's new role of ball boy and riling up crowd cheers. The man's time in the spotlight ended rather quickly, however. "Let me serve to you," said Agassi. He proceeded to ace the ballsy fan, who then quickly left the court.
Rumors swirled this weekend as Rogers Cup winner Serena Williams found a loyal fan in Toronto native and music star, Drake, who attended the American's matches. After Drake was again in attendance in Williams' player box for the Final, gossip intensified and a local media member asked Williams about her relationship with the rapper.
"Oh, man, really? So much speculation. It's unbelievable. Shocking, really. It's too much. It's really too much," responded Williams, half-mockingly. She added, "We're really good friends. I guess, you know, you can't be too close of a friend nowadays."
As true fans of Canadian culture, we at PTN are just surprised and elated to see Jimmy from Degrassi walk again (look it up, kids)!
To see more photos from Semifinal Saturday, CLICK HERE
