Kim Clijsters Defeats Venus Williams to Win Sony Ericsson Open

Kim Clijsters has defeated Venus Williams to win the Sony Ericsson Open today. Clijsters was in top form as she comfortably took out the formidable Williams 6-2, 6-1.

Kim Clijsters vs. Venus Williams: Play-by-Play

Kim Clijsters made her move early in the first set. At 1 all, Venus netted a forehand to provide Clijsters her first break point. Venus' forehand then went long, handing Clijsters the early break to go up 2-1 in the opening set. Despite double-faults in the her following service game, she was able to consolidate the break and hold for 3-1.

Several double-faults from Venus Williams caused her following service game to go to deuce. Kim Clijsters secured a double-break to go up 4-1. Venus did, however, hold her following service game, forcing Clijsters to serve out the set.

I was expecting Williams to mount a comeback in the second set, the way she did against Daniela Hantuchova, but that didn't happen today. Williams was able to save one break point at 30-40, taking it to deuce. A forehand winner from Clijsters gave her the advantage before Williams double-faulted to hand her the early break. Kim held her following service game and subsequently broke Venus again to go up 3-0.

Venus finally held serve to get on the board at 1-4 before Clijsters held serve in the following game. At 1-5, Williams was serving to stay in the match. A series of unforced errors from Williams allowed Clijsters to break for the match.

Kim Clijsters vs. Venus Williams: Match Analysis

This match didn't have the seesawing tension of the Henin semi-final or the infamous Venus/Clijsters US Open match. At the Sony Ericsson final, Clijsters' secured a solid victory in just under an hour. The strength of Kim's return game was crucial to her success as she was able to break down Venus' normally formidable serve.

According to the match statistics (posted by Sony Ericsson), Clijsters was able to win 10/23 ponits off Williams' first serve and a whopping 17/25 points off the second serve. Clijsters was also able to convert 5/6 break points.

Venus Williams' serve had left her today, as her first serve percentage was only 48. She delivered 4 double-faults, but only 2 aces. Yet despite the off-day, she's had an impressive run to the finals and will likely be in strong position heading into clay court season.

Kim Clijsters has been on a roll since her return from retirement/maternity leave. With her impressive runs in Brisbane, the US Open, and now Sony Ericsson, these victories will likely provide Clijsters as confidence boost as the players head into clay court season. Hopefully, we'll continue to see more great tennis from Kim Clijsters.

Sources:

Williams vs. Clijsters Match Statistics, Sony Ericsson