In a time when many were quick to write the Williams sisters off, Venus and Serena responded in true champion style, proving they have no intention of hanging up the racquet anytime soon. First, it was Serena who dominated the second half of the season with titles at Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open. Then the Williamses teamed up to win Wimbledon and their third Olympic gold medal. However, Venus was yet to confirm in singles. Although she had some greats wins under her belt, she was unable to win another trophy. Luckily for the American she signed up to play in Luxembourg.
Unseeded at the start of the tournament, Venus ran into troubles when she faced nine-seeded Mona Barthel in the second round. The German played a great match, but the American was able to advance after a thrilling 7-6,6-4 triumph. It was just the beginning of a battling week for Venus though. In the quarters, Roberta Vinci, the world's best doubles player, did not go out without a fight as she tested Williams before finally bowing out 6-7,4-6. Probably the stiffest test though came in the semis however, where a rejuvenated Andrea Petkovic showed glimpses of the form that brought her a place inside the top 10. The German won a thrilling opener, before the American came back to secure a hard fought 6-7,6-4,6-4 win.
Playing her first final since 2010, Venus was determined to not let this chance slip away. She was all fired up against Romanian Monica Niculescu, who was unable to cope with the power and precision of her opponent. Williams closed out a routine 6-2,6-3 victory, collecting thus the 44th title of her career, but first since Acapulco in the spring of 2010.
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| Venus is all smiles after winning the 44th title of her career. After battling her way to the final, the American crushed Romanian Monica Niculescu 6-2,6-3 to provide a fairytale ending to the 2012 season. |
photos (top-down): AP, ?
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