(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams defended her title in beating (5/4) Li from behind 26 63 60! It was the 57th title of her career, her 11th of 2013 (the most since Hingis in 1997) and her 4th at this event (only the fourth woman to do so after Evert, Navratilova and Graf). In addition, she is the oldest woman to ever win this title and the first number one to win this event since Henin in 2007, who was also the last person to defend this title. Having amassed $12.3 million this season, she's obliterated Azarenka's previous annual best of $7.9 million won last year, whilst only Djokovic has ever won more in a season on the ATP! Remember though, Li moves to a career high of number 3 to end the year!
1st Set
Once again, Li had a quick start in breaking Williams's serve in the third and fifth games in building a 5-1 lead. Though her serve was faltering in getting only 30% of her first serves in, Li confidently serve and volleyed and attacked the return in hitting 10 winners to only 8 unforced errors. Williams wasn't as lethargic as she had been in the semis but was certainly not at her best as she served slowly and didn't hit with her typical ferocity. She hit only 5 winners to 10 unforced errors, whilst not even reaching break point against Li. It was the first time since Miami 2009 that Li had taken a set off Williams!
2nd Set
Williams won a pivotal nine deuce first game on serve, where she saved two break points to hold before breaking Li for the first time en route to a 3-0 lead. Li wasn't overwhelmed though as she quickly battled back to 3-3 as Williams's forehand started to err. However, Li would ultimately capitulate with a costly double fault contributing to her being broken in the eighth game. Williams would then have to save a further two break points before holding to close out the set. Li was still bossing the points, hitting 15 winners to 12 unforced errors, but Williams improved immensely from the first set, hitting an equal amount of winners to 10 unforced errors, whilst maintaining a first serve percentage of 72%.
3rd Set
After losing a three deuce opening service game, Li's game fell apart as her confidence plummeted. Her volleys were suddenly missing and the double faults were mounting (she hit 10 all match). Williams was steely and confident as her serve and movement looked as good as new in hitting 10 winners to race through the final set, completing her 9 game win streak to secure the title. It was Williams 10th win in 11 meetings with Li and meant she would finish 78-4 for the year!
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