October 7, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal
World number one-ranked Serena Williams captured the 2013 China Open title, defeating eighth-seeded Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-2. The finals win was Serena’s 73rd of the year and her 56th WTA title of he career.
Overcoming a sore back, Serena now has 10 WTA titles this year, the most since 2007 when Justine Henin also won 10. The win was Serena’s 73rd of the year, the most since 2003 when Kim Clijsters ended the season with 90 and Henin finished with 75 victories.
"I’m really excited—I didn’t think I’d win this tournament starting out, so I’m really happy to be here holding the trophy," Serena said. "Congratulations to Jelena for such a great tournament as well. I really love tennis so much and it’s fans like the ones here in China who are so exciting to come to. The fans make me want to play, they’re so great here, so coming here is such a great opportunity."
With the 2013 China Open title under her belt, Serena’s career 56 WTA titles put her at seventh place all-time, behind only Martina Navratilova with 167, Chris Evert with 154, Steffi Graf with 107, Margaret Court with 92, Evonne Goolagong Cawley with 68, and Billie Jean King with 67.
