Serena Williams reigns in Singapore

World number one Serena Williams overcame the roller-coaster challenges to eventually win the WTA Finals Singapore 2014 title on Sunday. The American overpowered Simona Halep of Romania 6-3, 6-0 to win the prestigious year-end championships for the fifth time in her career.

Earlier in the week, Williams lost to Halep in a surprise 6-0, 6-2 scoreline. The loss left her chances in doubt of advancing to the semifinals. However, Halep’s three set loss to Ana Ivanovic gifted Williams a place in the final four and the world number one wouldn’t take the chance for granted.

“She was playing so well in the first set, like she did the last time we played,” Williams said. “I was literally on the side of the court and I laughed. But then I just told myself I had nothing to lose. I knew I just had to relax and start playing better if I wanted to win – and I really wanted to win.”

“It’s just been an unbelievable week,” she added.

“I just started training again last week because I had such a bad knee in Beijing. I can’t believe I even made it to Singapore, and now I have the Billie Jean King Trophy, so I’m just really excited.”

Williams complimented Halep for a successful week. The Romanian made her debut at this tournament.

“She’s making me a better player,” the 18-time Grand Slam champion said.

“Congratulations to you, Serena, you are the best,” Halep said.

“Congratulations for ending the year No.1 again, too.”

“I want to thank everybody for supporting me and watching all of our matches,” she said.

“It was an amazing week for me, so I am happy – I cannot be sad that I lost.”

Sania Mirza of India and Cara Black of Zimbabwe won the doubles title after defeating Su Wei Hsieh of Taiwan and Peng Shuai of China 6-1, 6-0.