Elena Dementieva of Russia successfully defended the Sydney International title after she defeated top-seed Serena Williams 63 62 at the Olympic tennis center on Friday.
Williams had problems with her left knee during the match but the American world number one said that the injury was not serious and that she can still compete at her best level at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.
“It’s Just a little pain and the strapping usually helps the pain go away sometimes,” Williams said.
“I haven’t played for two months on a competitive level, so I think it’s good for my body to go through this now, especially since I’m in doubles as well as singles. I think it’s a great blessing in a way. I played four matches and my body hasn’t been used to it. Now we’re ready and ready to go,” she added.
Dementieva clinched her 15th career WTA title. Last year, she defeated compatriot Dinara Safina in the final.
“I’m very satisfied the way I was playing today and the whole week,” the Russian said.
“That’s what I was really looking for coming here in Sydney, just playing aggressively and playing with a lot of pressure. It was a great experience and it’s gonna help me next week,” she added.
Dementieva’s win in Sydney is a clear indication that she’s a tough contender at the Australian Open. The Russian has yet to claim a Grand Slam title but she’s been at the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments in the past, reaching the finals at the French Open and the US Open in 2004.
