May 14, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
American Serena Williams defeated world number one-ranked Victoria Azarenka in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3 to win the 2012 Madrid Open. Serena, now 30 years of age, entered as the ninth seed into the event where she extended her winning streak to 13 matches. She took a quick lead to 4-0 in the first before Azarenka could even get a single game. Azarenka completely missed a return to give the match to Williams. Serena hit 26 winners against Azarenka’s six and was able to hit 14 aces whereas her opponent was only able to offer six double faults and no aces.
This is Serena’s second title of 2012 after her victory at the Charleston tournament in April. It also gives her an overall 41 singles titles which puts her 13th on the all-time list along with Kim Clijsters.
"My whole thing is just to play consistent and that is what I have been doing the past couple of weeks," said Serena.
She is a 13-time Grand Slam champion who has not been ranked number one since October of 2010 and is now expected to rise to the number six position in the WTA Rankings when the rankings are updated. She said she now has her eye on extending her total of 123 weeks at the top of the charts.
"I don’t play to be number two, I don’t think Victoria plays to be number two," said Serena. "We all play to be the best."
