Zvonareva triumphs at Indian Wells
Published: 23 March, 2009, 11:57
Russian star Vera Zvonareva has won the most prestigious tournament in woman’s tennis: the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, beating Serb Anna Ivanovic is straight sets in the final.
Vera Zvonareva – Ana Ivanovic 7-5 6-2
Defending champion Ana Ivanovic took a great start in the match claiming the two opening games, but the Russian fought back leading the first set to tie-break, which she won 7-5.
The match took place in difficult weather conditions as the gusts of wind in the Californian desert reached the speed of 30 miles per hour.
The beginning of the second set repeated the opener. The Serb was once again two games up, but once again couldn’t prevent Zvonareva’s comeback.
The Russian, who didn’t drop a single set in the whole tournament, destroyed her opponent winning six games in a row, finishing the match 7-5 6-2.
The BNP Paribas Open trophy, with the prize money of $4.5 million, is the biggest success in the career of the 24-year-old Muscovite and is the second title she has claimed this season.
“I've been watching this tournament since I was a kid. It's been on TV back home so many years. It's basically one of the biggest events after the major. I think it means a lot to everyone who is able to win it, because you have to beat so many top players on the way to get the title,” Vera Zvonareva said to BNP Paribas Open’s official website.
Zvonareva also became the second player – after Lindsay Davenport in 1997 and 2000 – to claim both singles and doubles titles at Indian Wells.
She won the title in doubles after beating Gisela Dulko and Shahar Peer together with her partner Victoria Azarenka, 6-3 3-6 10-5 on Saturday.
Rafael Nadal – Andy Murray 6-1, 6-2
World number one Rafael Nadal proved his class destroying Andy Murray in the final.
In a 1-hour-20-minute match the Spaniard gave away just three games to his rival.
“The conditions today were really difficult, but I think I have good strategy and I played a really good match with those conditions. Probably Andy didn't play his best because of the conditions, but I think I played a really complete match, moving very well. I never stopped the legs during the match, and I think that was the key today,” Rafael Nadal said to BNP Paribas Open’s official website.
The 2009 BNP Paribas Open title became the second at Indina wells for Nadal. The Spaniard claimed the title in 2007.
23.03.2009, 10:22
Don Quixote of Russian provinceA pensioner from an isolated part of central Russia’s Voronezh region says he is the true voice of the Russian countryside. He has been making videos documenting the difficult living conditions in his home village. |
23.03.2009, 12:54
Brutal Ancient Greek wrestling seeks Olympic returnThe ancient sport of Pankration, regarded as one of the most violent martial arts, is enjoying a revival in Russia. |
