Belgium's Kim Clijsters successfully defended her WTA Championships title with a clinical 6-2, 6-0 victory over France's Amelie Mauresmo on Monday.
In a remarkable display of powerful, consistent tennis from inside the baseline, Clijsters overwhelmed Mauresmo, never allowing the Frenchwoman to control the net and moving her around the court.
"It's a great feeling," said Clijsters. "The first time beating Serena [Williams] in the final was special as well. But this year I played a lot better than I did last year. I was lot more consistent."
It was the 20-year-old's ninth title of the year and was something of a consolation for losing the number one spot to compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne.
Henin secured the top ranking by reaching the semi-final here, having beaten Clijsters in both the Grand Slam finals they contested this year at the French and U.S. Opens.
"Not being number one is a little disappointing, but I've had a great year," said Clijsters. "Winning nine tournaments is amazing. I'll have a tough one next year."
Mauresmo and Clijsters traded breaks to open the match, but after that, the Belgian seized control of the contest, winning most of the rapid-fire points from the baseline and serving with ruthless efficiency.
"I saw the ball like a football," Clijsters said. "That's a nice feeling knowing you can do whatever you want with the ball, when you go down the line or even when you aren't in the right position."
Clijsters broke Mauresmo three times in the first set and won it when she forced her opponent into a backhand error.
Mauresmo looked to be still suffering the after-effects of Sunday's three-set semi-final victory over Henin and such was Clijsters dominance in the second set, the Frenchwoman ended up attempting to serve and volley behind questionable first serves.
Clijsters broke in the final game to win the match when Mauresmo committed another backhand error.
NO RHYTHM
"I was a little tired and couldn't find any rhythm," said Mauresmo, who finished the year ranked fourth in the world. "She was covering the court very well and I couldn't really take advantage of any opportunities.
"She wasn't giving me any free points to come in on. You have to give her credit, she handled it better than I did."
Clijsters committed only 10 unforced errors in the match to 18 from Mauresmo, won 75 percent of her first serve points to only 46 from her opponent and cracked 16 winners in the 52-minute romp.
Clijsters, who banked a cheque for $1,000,030 for her victory here, said it was a shame should could not have played Henin in the final.
"In a way, yes, Justine definitely deserved to be there as well," Clijsters said. "We've been the two strongest players from the moment that Venus and Serena didn't play anymore."
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