Venus Williams Wins 47th Career WTA Title When Muguruza Retires In Wuhan Final

In a battle of two ailing finalists, Venus Williams came out on top capturing her 47th career WTA title when her opponent, Garbine Muguruza, retired down 6-3, 3-0 in the second set of the Wuhan, China final.

“I feel like everyone else on tour,” Venus said. “I work hard, I do my best and as long as you continue to work hard and believe in yourself then you can have the results you want. That’s exactly what I’ve done and it hasn’t been the easiest road but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a road worth traveling.

“I didn’t think of quitting but it’s definitely a lot of stress to play when you’re in pain. But for me I focus on everything that I can accomplish and not on what’s bothering me.

“My opponent wasn’t so lucky today. The pain was just too much for her and I was really sorry to hear that.”

Both players limped into the finals after surviving semifinal Saturday. Venus came in with her legs strapped while Muguruza was nursing a left ankle injury, and unfortunately for the Spaniard she was unable to finish the match because of it.

“I didn’t think of quitting but it’s definitely a lot of stress to play when you’re in pain,” said Venus. “But for me I focus on everything that I can accomplish and not on what’s bothering me.”

Muguruza, who made the Wimbledon finals, could play up to her level.

“Well, this is a sad day today,” said Muguruza. “I’m very sorry I had to retire today, but I had a really amazing week here in Wuhan. I felt so much support from the crowd – it was great.

“Also, I really want to congratulate Venus. She’s always such a tough player and she had an amazing week, as well. For sure we’ll play again soon, and it’s going to be a tough match, of course.”

A gracious Williams recognized her wounded foe. “I know today she couldn’t do everything she wanted to. She couldn’t feel free and comfortable on court. Of course it’s not always exciting playing an opponent who doesn’t feel their best so I hope she gets better.”

Congrats to @venuseswilliams for winning Wuhan! So happy you did it! #williamsistersrule… https://t.co/91vOX1jmIo

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) October 3, 2015

Venus’s win was her biggest title since she disclosed her Sjogren’s Syndrome battle four years ago. And the win. her second of 2015, puts the 35-year=old solidly in contention at 9th in the Race for the WTA Finals in Singapore which her sister Serena will miss.

Muguruza lost a chance to clinch a Singapore slot, but she is projected to make her Top 5 debut at No. 5 tomorrow.

OLDEST WTA CHAMPIONS (Open Era)
39 Billie Jean King – 1983 Birmingham
38 Kimikoa Date-Krumm – 2009 Korea
37 Martina Navratilova – 1999 Paris Indoors
35 Venus Williams – 2015 Wuhan