After a rash of upsets decimated the men’s and women’s draws at the Rogers Cup in Montreal and Toronto respectively, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic restored order in the tennis world when each claimed their second titles in Canada on Sunday.
Williams was always in control against Australia’s Samantha Stosur, winning 6–4, 6–2. Williams was playing in her fourth tournament since returning after almost a year away from the tour due to injury. She captured her second title of the year and first Canadian Open title since winning her first 10 years ago.
Djokovic didn’t have his best game, but was able to persevere against top-ranked American Mardy Fish. The Serbian world number one won 6–2, 3–6, 6–4 in an up and down match.
In contrast to Williams, Djokovic has been all over the men’s tour, taking his 2011 record to 53–1. His only loss came to Roger Federer in the French Open semifinal.
Serena is Back
“I’m so excited. I never expected to do so well,” Williams said about returning from such a long layoff in an interview with the CBC after the match.
Stosur said, “Well done to Serena, obviously a very good comeback.”
Williams was unseeded in the draw and could have faced No. 2 seed Kim Clijsters in the third round but the Belgian had to retire due to an abdominal injury in Round 2.
Top seed Caroline Wozniacki lost to Italian Roberta Vinci in the second round and third seed Vera Zvonareva lost in the third round. In fact, the top 20 women’s players entered the event but the 80th-ranked Williams came out on top. She is expected to improve her ranking by about 50 spots.
Williams seemed to be at the peak of her game and credited Stosur. “She really brought out my best game,” said Williams during the trophy presentation. Williams was also ecstatic about holding the trophy, a crystal tennis racket which she described as “so cute.”
Next: Djokovic Hangs Tough
Djokovic Hangs Tough
Then, on his own first break-point chance, the Serbian broke Fish and then raced out to a quick 6–2 first set win.
But to his credit, Fish showed why he belongs in the top 10. He started to take control of the longer rallies which should have favored Djokovic. On his ninth break-point opportunity, Fish drilled a backhand winner down the line to get the upper hand in the second set.
At the start of the third set, it was anybody’s match. With both players playing their best tennis of the match, Fish had an awkward third service game in which he made a couple of bad forehand errors.
Djokovic broke Fish winning four straight points off his serve and then served for the match at 5–4. Fish fought off three championship points before returning a serve wide on the fourth championship point.
Djokovic jumped for joy and pumped his fists after 2 hours and 23 minutes of play. The Serb who had won it in 2007 had added his second Rogers Cup title.
“I had a bit slower start,” Djokovic said. “It was a very even match.”
During the trophy presentation Fish jokingly referred to Djokovic’s incredible year saying, “We’re getting pretty tired of this actually.” But it was a very good week for the American, who is having a terrific summer hard court season.
“I had a blast,” Fish told the Montreal crowd. “It’s an absolute pleasure to play in front of knowledgeable tennis fans and that’s exactly what you are.”
Djokovic pocketed $450,000 for his win and demonstrated how he could win without playing his best tennis. He had a fairly easy road to the final, winning all his matches in straight sets and benefiting from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga being unable to finish their semifinal match.
Djokovic didn’t have to face the likes of No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal who lost in the second round, No. 3 seed Roger Federer who was beaten in the third round, and No. 4 seed Andy Murray who lost in the second round.
After a tournament of upsets, the Rogers Cup was won by names tennis fans are extremely familiar with—Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic.
Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETSports
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