World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki claimed her 14th career title, outlasting France’s Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in the WTA Indian Wells final yesterday.
Denmark’s Wozniacki captured her second title of 2011 and becomes the eighth different women’s champion in eight years at the $4.5 million WTA hardcourt tournament.
Wozniacki broke Bartoli’s serve three times in the final set and clinched the victory on the second match point when the Frenchwoman hit a two-handed backhand shot long.
The 20-year-old Wozniacki has been playing some of the best tennis of her career the last few months, having taken two of her last three tournaments after winning last month in Dubai. She also reached the final in Doha.
The victory was one of the biggest in Wozniacki’s career. She picked up $605,500 in first-place prize money yesterday after finishing runner-up in Indian Wells last year to Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic. Bartoli took $298,000.
Wozniacki paid tribute to Bartoli on the court immediately after the match.
“Marion, you had an amazing tournament,” Wozniacki said.
“I am sorry I had to beat you in the final. It is not like football where you can have a draw.”
At 26 years and five months old, Bartoli was seeking to become the oldest winner since Steffi Graf in 1996. Bartoli is the first Frenchwoman to reach the Indian Wells final.
A tearful Bartoli thanked her coach and father, Walter, who watched the match by himself in the players box. By contrast, Wozniacki’s box was full as she had a number of family and friends viewing the match.
“Sorry I am a bit in tears but tears of tiredness,” Bartoli told the crowd.
“I would like to thank my dad who is the only one in the box. He was there when I hit my first tennis ball and I hope he will be there when I hit my last one.”
Bartoli paid tribute to the champion.“I would like to congratulate (Caroline). You can be proud of yourself. I know your big goal is to get a Grand Slam (title) and I am sure you will get it soon.”
Last night, Novak Djokovic was playing Rafael Nadal in the men’s final.
Serbia’s Djokovic beat Roger Federer 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in the semi-final to extend his match winning streak this season to 17.