Anna Chakvetadze won her second consecutive tournament, making quick work of surprise finalist Sania Mirza of India and taking the Bank of the West Classic 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday.
"I'm pleased with the way I played and happy I won," Chakvetadze said. "I didn't serve that well the whole week but I played well. I had to concentrate more on every point."
The Russian improved to 6-0 in tournament finals and will rise to No. 6 in the world rankings. The unseeded Mirza will return to her previous career high of No. 31 when the new rankings come out.
"It means a lot," said Chakvetadze, the top seed. "It means I know I can do it and that I have to work harder to get (to the top five) and be more consistent."
Mirza's goal is becoming clearer.
"I've always said I could be top 20 and I believe in that," she said. "I thought maybe by the end of next season, but who knows? Maybe it will happen this year. I believe in setting realistic, practical goals."
Both players went three sets in winning semifinals Saturday before playing doubles competition.
"I have to say I'm a little tired," said Chakvetadze, who earned US$88,265 (?64,436) for the victory. "I wasn't feeling that great to run around for three sets so I told myself to finish it fast."
Chakvetadze has won nine straight matches, and 20 of 22 overall. Her only losses since the beginning of May have been in the French Open and Wimbledon.
In the second game of the first set, Chakvetadze caught her braided ponytail in her racket and was unable to play a ball. She was able to laugh it off.
"I used to have even longer hair than I have now and that has never happened," she said.
Mirza said she had a great week despite losing in the final.
"I learned I can play good tennis the whole week," said Mirza, who had a large following at the match. "Physically I couldn't take it like she can."
She said Chakvetadze just wore her down.
"In the first set I was there for the most part and I had a couple of chances to come back," she said. "After I lost the first set she dominated. She comes up with her best in the finals. I wasn't feeling it as well as I have this week. I wasn't hitting the ball as cleanly." - AP
source: gmanews