Maria has won the biggest clay title of her career today at the Internazionali BNL D'Italia in Rome today as she defeated No.6 seed Samantha Stosur of Australia 6-2 6-4 in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Congratulations Maria!
This is Maria's 23rd career title and her 1st title of 2011.
After the win, Maria said: "I'm so happy to be the champion. It means so much to me to add this title to the ones I already have. Rome is such a special place and I've dreamed of holding up this trophy. There are a lot of tournaments coming up, and this is a great start to everything. I can't wait to be back next year."
After a rain delay of just over 3 hours, Maria came onto court firing and broke Stosur immediately in the first game and quickly broke again to lead 4-1. After a exchange of breaks in the next 2 games, Maria held her serve to take the set 6-2.
An exchange of breaks started the second set and Maria broke Stosur to lead 3-2 and that one break advanatage was enough and on matchpoint, Maria hit a blistering forehand winner and raised her arms in triumph at the Foro Italico.
In the rankings Maria moves up to No.7 with 4761 points.
Maria will now take the next week off to prepare for the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros in Paris which begins next Sunday.
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