Mary Pierce Eases to 2nd 2005 Title at WTA Moscow
Posted on October 17, 2005Mary Pierce will return to the elite Top 5 on the WTA Rankings Monday after her second career title in Moscow, converting all five of her break point opportunities in a 6-4, 6-3 win over Francesca Schiavone for her second 2005 title.
The 30-year-old Pierce didn't face a seed en route to the title yet played two three-setters and saved six match points in the quarterfinals.
"The hard work is definitely paying off, that's for sure," Pierce said. "I have said before that last year I wasn't sure if I would play again and after much thought, decided I had more to do in tennis and really this year has just been amazing...This tournament was not on my original schedule for this year, but I saw last month that I might qualify for the WTA Tour Championships, so decided to stay in Europe and play the big events to try to get my points up."
Schiavone's upset run came to an end after wins over Amelie Mauresmo, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva.
"She really played her best tennis, and I have to give her credit for playing a great tournament," Schiavone said. "I have been working very hard on my fitness and my game, and I hope to get another chance soon. I am very happy with my week and hope to continue my form next week in Zurich."
In the doubles final, the American-Aussie combo of Lisa Raymond and Sam Stosur beat top seeds Cara Black and Rennae Stubbs 6-2, 6-4 for their fourth title of the year.
The 30-year-old Pierce didn't face a seed en route to the title yet played two three-setters and saved six match points in the quarterfinals.
"The hard work is definitely paying off, that's for sure," Pierce said. "I have said before that last year I wasn't sure if I would play again and after much thought, decided I had more to do in tennis and really this year has just been amazing...This tournament was not on my original schedule for this year, but I saw last month that I might qualify for the WTA Tour Championships, so decided to stay in Europe and play the big events to try to get my points up."
Schiavone's upset run came to an end after wins over Amelie Mauresmo, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva.
"She really played her best tennis, and I have to give her credit for playing a great tournament," Schiavone said. "I have been working very hard on my fitness and my game, and I hope to get another chance soon. I am very happy with my week and hope to continue my form next week in Zurich."
In the doubles final, the American-Aussie combo of Lisa Raymond and Sam Stosur beat top seeds Cara Black and Rennae Stubbs 6-2, 6-4 for their fourth title of the year.