Italy’s Flavia Pennetta hoisted the LA Women’s Tennis Championships trophy on Sunday after defeating Australia’s Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-3 in the final match, earning her second title for 2009.
Pennetta, a runner-up in this event last year, had a sensational three-set set victory over Maria Sharapova in the semifinals and continued with the momentum by making quick work of her Australian opponent. Stosur has yet to win a WTA singles title (0-5 in career finals).
The Italian’s ranking will improve this week to number 12, just one shy from her career high of 11. She earned $107,000 for the victory. Stosur, who earned $55,000, will be ranked no. 17.
