I want to be number one now, says Venus Williams

Dubai Open winner now wants to displace sister Serena at the top of women's tennis

I want to be number one now, says Venus Williams

Dubai Open winner now wants to displace sister Serena at the top of women's tennis

Venus Williams returned to the world's top five for the first time in six years on Saturday by clinching the 40th title of her career with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Virginie Razzano in the final of the troubled Dubai Open.

The last time Williams played Razzano in a WTA Tour final, two years ago in Tokyo, the French player saved three match points in the second set and went on to beat her.

Fitter Venus

Hot shot! USA's Venus Williams returns to France's Virginie Razzano in the final of Dubai WTA Tennis Championships in Dubai, UAE on Saturday. Venus won 6-4, 6-2. pic/AP

Now Williams was a fitter and more secure player, most of the time serving better too, and her victory in the two-million-dollar event on Saturday was rarely in doubt once she had taken the first set.

En route to the final Venus also went ahead 10-9 in the head-to-head record with sister Serena, by beating the world number one in the semi-finals. "It was a great week to be able to win against the world's best player, my sister," said the Wimbledon champ.

It prompted the question as to whether she might also replace her younger sibling at the top of the rankings. "Well I would love to be the best in the world and I am coming. So, I am going to try."

Well done, Razzano

Both the crowd and Venus showed appreciation for Razzano, who produced another spirited performance after having beaten two top five players, Dinara Safina and Vera Zvonareva, along the way.

"I have to congratulate her. She beat some top players and played well again today," said Venus.

Razzano made a fine start to the match, hitting some fierce drives, often counter-attacking brilliantly, and switching the direction of serves and drives cleverly. But Williams was equal to the onslaught and eventually prevailed given her better experience and power play.

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