Venus Williams... Wuhan Open title.Venus Williams... Wuhan Open title.

Venus Williams captured her 47th WTA career title yesterday, and her biggest in five years, when she won the Wuhan Open in China, beating Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

The 35-year-old American was leading Muguruza 6-3 3-0 when the Spaniard, struggling with injury, retired, handing the title to Williams, who was already well on top and had won the last five games in a row.

A sympathetic Williams consoled Muguruza, one of the best young players in the game who had a tough semi-final with Germany’s Angelique Kerber, during the victory presentation.

“Congratulations Garbine for making the final,” Williams said.

“I know you had a tough match yesterday – it’s not easy when you don’t play your best, and I probably didn’t have a chance if you felt well!”

Muguruza traded blows with Williams through most of the first set but suddenly dropped her level of play after the seventh game. The 21-year-old lost the next five games on the trot before signalling she could not continue.

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