Venus Williams becomes fourth-oldest player to clinch WTA title
At 34 years and five months, American joins Billie Jean King, Kimiko Date-Krumm and Martina Navratilova in elite club of veteran players
Venus Williams became one of the oldest players to win a WTA title when she beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final of the Auckland Classic yesterday.
The 34-year-old Williams took a little while to get going but managed to overcome the blustery conditions and a fired up Wozniacki to begin her Australian Open preparations by capturing her 46th career title.
The American, who lost the final on the central Auckland courts to Ana Ivanovic last year, had looked well out of sorts as she struggled to adjust to the wind and hot conditions before she eventually prevailed 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in 110 minutes.
I waited until I was 33 to come to New Zealand and that was the biggest mistake of my life
"I am an old tennis player now," said Williams, who became the fourth-oldest winner on the WTA Tour at 34 years, five months and 24 days, with only Billie Jean King, Kimiko Date-Krumm and Martina Navratilova having been older.
"I waited until I was 33 to come to New Zealand and that was the biggest mistake of my life."
Wozniacki had wasted little time in forcing Williams on to the back foot, holding two break points in the opening game before the American held serve.