Djokovic retains Dubai title

Smooth sailing for Djokovic in Dubai... maybe not...

Novak Djokovic successfully defended his Dubai Championships title after defeating Mikhail Youzhny 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in a rain-affected final.

Leading 7-5, 2-0 before rain suspended play, Djokovic was made to work hard to win his 17th career title in a match that lasted 3 hours, 21 minutes at the Aviation Club.

Djokovic is now $383,000 richer and he gains 500 ranking points for his victory.

(Image via Yahoo! Sports)

David Ferrer, Venus Williams win in Acapulco

David Ferrer gets the pear.

David Ferrer defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero to end his fellow Spaniard's 14-match winning streak yesterday.

Ferrer who lost to Ferrero at the Copa Telmex last week in Buenos Aires got a sweet revenge with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory in Acapulco.

Ferrero's winning streak had included ATP titles in his last two tournaments, in Brazil and Argentina.

Venus Williams gets the hat.

Meanwhile, Venus Williams defended her Mexican Open title after beating Slovenian Polona Hercog 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 for her second consecutive title - here on clay and on hard courts in Dubai last week.

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

Kleybanova, Chan Yung-jan/ Zheng Jie win WTA Malaysian Open

Alisa Kleybanova won her first WTA title at the Malaysian Open today after beating favourite Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-2 in an all-Russian final.

“It has been a tough week with many tough sets and matches. I’m just so happy to finally claim my first title,” the fourth-seeded Kleybanova said.

“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments. Everything came together in the final and I would like to thank Elena for the good match.”

Meanwhile, Zheng Jie and Chan Yung-jan defeated sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova 6-7(4), 6-2, 10-7 to win the doubles title.

This is their first title in just their second event together and earned $11,000 each for the victory.

Personally, I had a blast through the entire week at the WTA Malaysian Open. Hope to see more players in action again next year!

(Images via Yahoo! Sports)

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 6 Results & OOP for Final Day

It's an all Russian affair final at the WTA Malaysian Open 2010 tomorrow.

Elena Dementieva and Alisa Kleybanova, who have never played each other before, will be looking to make history by becoming the first winner of the inaugural US$220,000 event.

Alisa Kleybanova

In today’s first singles semifinal match, Kleybanova defeated 19 year-old Ayumi Morita 6-4, 6-1.

Meanwhile, in a rain delayed second singles semifinal match, Dementieva beat Sybille Bammer 6-1, 6-3.

Elena Dementieva

The last match of the day saw Alla Kudryavtseva and Galina Voskoboeva take on the first seeded pairing of Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie in the second doubles semi-final.

It was an easy victory for Zheng Jie and Chan who worked together perfectly and sealed their place in the finals with 6-4, 6-0.

They will meet sisters, Anastasia and Arina Rodionova tomorrow. Tomorrow’s matches will kick-off with the doubles final at 2PM on Centre Court. Following that will be the singles final at 4PM and the prize presentation.

Here's the complete results and OOP for the final day FYI.

(Via Carbon Media)