Serena, 50 and Counting

She is the best player in the world and she proved it again on Sunday when she held on to her No.1 ranking by beating Russian Maria Sharapova to successfully defend her title in Madrid. Maria needed the win to regain the much disputed position, but as she has done in their last eleven matches, the American was too strong, collecting her 50th WTA crown with an easy 6-1,6-4 victory.

It wasn't quite an easy week for Serena, but as she has done on so many occasions, she found a way to come out on top. The biggest challenge came in the quarterfinals where she was bageled for the first time in five years by Spaniard Anabel Medina Garriguez. The Spaniard was set for a stunning achievement, leading 4-2 in the decider. The American fought back though, winning the match 6-3,0-6,7-5. It was a walk in the park after that. She disposed of French Open finalist, Sara Errani, before stopping Sharapova's 21-match winning streak on clay.

I maintain my opinion that the only player who can challenge Serena at the moment is Victoria Azarenka. Following her loss to Azarenka in Doha, the American took full advantage of Vika's injury to hold on to her No.1 position. Sharapova on the other hand has been very consistent, reaching at least the semifinals of all the tournaments she entered this year. However, she just doesn't have the game to beat Williams. Her sole two wins came back in 2004, in key moments it's true, the young Russian stunning her rival for the Wimbledon, as well as the WTA Championships crowns. However, since then, Serena has won all battles, most of the sets ending with a rather drastic scoreline.

I am curious to see how things will evolve in Rome. Azarenka needs to find her game on clay, Sharapova needs to defend her title, while Williams will look to continue an amazing run since triumphing in Miami. I'll be on the look-out!

Serena continued her supremacy over Maria Sharapova, beating the Russian 6-1,6-4 to successfully defend her title in Madrid. The world No.1 claimed her 50th career title.

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