Serena Bagels Suarez Navarro For 8th Miami Open Title; Stays Perfect In 2015
Eight Miami Open singles titles. A streak of 21 wins in a row stretching back to last year. Like a fine wine, Serena Williams seems to get better with age.
World No. 1 Serena Williams breezed past Carla Suarez Navarro in a forgone conclusion 6-2, 6-0 on Saturday, improving to 5-0 career against the Spaniard in once again raising the trophy on Key Biscayne.
The title for many was a lock for the American after she weathered a three-set challenge in the semifinals from rival Simona Halep, the last player to beat her at the 2014 WTA year-end championships.
“Congratulations to Carla,” Serena said after losing only 14 points in the final 10 games, and just 5 in the second set. “She’s had a fabulous two weeks. This is just the beginning. I’m really proud of you — we always get along and it’s always great to see you do well, so congratulations.”
Suarez Navarro, who had upset Venus Williams earlier in the tournament, hit three winners in the match to Serena’s 27.
Williams joins three players who have won a tournament eight times or more: Martina Navratilova (Chicago-12, Eastbourne-11, Dallas-9, Wimbledon-8, Washington-8), Steffi Graf (Berlin-9), and Chris Evert (Hilton Head-8).
It was the third straight Miami Open title for Serena, whose eight titles in 10 finals are a record (2015-13, ’08-07, and ’04-02).
“I would love to dedicate this to my dad,” Serena added. “He’s not here. I miss him. I hope he’s watching. I love you daddy — this one’s for you.”
Serena now has won 66 career titles in 83 finals. She has also won her last 12 finals and her record on the year is a perfect 18-0.
Serena now shifts to the clay where she’ll return on the dirt at Madrid in a month. The 33-year-old has won six of the last nine Premier Mandatory events she has played.
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