TORONTO - Serena Williams captured the Rogers Cup women's tennis title Sunday to continue a remarkable comeback from injury and illness.
The 29-year-old American star dispatched No. 10-seed Samantha Stosur of Australia 6-4, 6-2 to win her first Rogers title since claiming the Canadian tournament crown in 2001.
The Rogers Cup was just Williams's fourth tournament since being sidelined for 49 weeks, first with a foot injury she suffered when she stepped on a piece of glass in a restaurant in Germany, and then with blood clots in her lungs.
The mighty Williams had Stosur on her heels all match long with her powerful strokes. She broke the 27-year-old Aussie to go up 5-4 in the opening set and would break her twice more in the second in the one hour and 17-minute match, winning in emphatic fashion with her ninth ace of the game.
The former top-ranked Williams, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, was unseeded in the tournament and is ranked just 80th in the world as she continues her comeback.
She's projected to rise to No. 31 in next week's rankings, and will definitely be a favourite at the upcoming U.S. Open.
Toronto rapper Drake was among fans in the almost-full Rexall Stadium. Williams dad and longtime coach Richard was also in attendance. He and wife Lakeisha stood on centre-court holding Serena's two small, white dogs as she accepted her crystal trophy.
And while thunderstorms were forecast for the city Sunday, the weather held up until the skies opened up just as Williams and Stosur had left the court.
Americans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond were awarded the women's doubles title, meanwhile, after Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Maria Kirilenko of Russia withdrew, citing an right hand injury to Azarenka.
Williams, who earned US$360,000 for her victory, had dispatched Azarenka 6-3, 6-3 in their semifinal Saturday.
Stosur pocketed $180,000 as runner-up.
