Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska toppled former world number one Venus Williams in straight sets yesterday at the WTA Montreal tournament to clinch her first title of the season.
Poland’s Radwanska rolled to a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 victory over the American in just 81 minutes as she claimed her 14th career singles title.
“I am very, very happy,” said Radwanska, who earned $467,000 for the win. “Everything was working for me today.”
The 25-year-old’s last win was in Seoul in September. She reached the final at Indian Wells earlier this year, losing to Italian Flavia Pennetta.
Radwanska fired three aces, had two double faults and won 65 per cent of her first serves in the hardcourt match on centre court.
The 2012 Wimbledon runner-up dropped the opening game of the first set, but then ran off four straight games to take control.
Williams broke back and drew to 4-3 only to see Radwanska step up a level and win the set 6-4.
The former world number two then broke Williams to open the second set, but the Florida resident got back into it with a fourth-game break to even the set at 2-2. Radwanska broke back in the fifth game to regain control.
“I really had an amazing week,” Radwanska said. “I always liked Canada but now I think I love Canada. I am looking forward to coming back.”
Williams, who beat her sister Serena in the semi-finals, had six double faults and won just 26 per cent of her second serves in the loss.
The 34-year-old American had played three straight three-set matches.
“I am sorry. I fell a little short. I didn’t have as much to give as I would have liked,” Venus said.
Radwanska improved to a 4-5 career win/loss record against Williams, who was seeking her second title of 2014.
Williams collected $227,000 in prize money to go over $30 million in career earnings. She will also improve her ranking from the current world number 26.