Saturday 3 October 2015 11:04, UK
Venus Williams captured her 47th WTA career title on Saturday, and her biggest in five years, when she won the Wuhan Open in China, beating Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza.
The 35-year-old American was leading Muguruza 6-3 3-0 when the Spaniard, struggling with injury, retired, handing the title to Williams, who was already well on top and had won the last five games in a row.
A sympathetic Williams consoled Muguruza, one of the best young players in the game who had a tough semi-final with Germany's Angelique Kerber, during the victory presentation.
"Congratulations Garbine for making the final," Williams said. "I know you had a tough match yesterday - it's not easy when you don't play your best, and I probably didn't have a chance if you felt well!"
Muguruza traded blows with Williams through most of the first set but suddenly dropped her level of play after the seventh game. The 21-year-old lost the next five games on the trot before signalling she could not continue.
"This is a sad day today," said Muguruza.
"I'm very sorry I had to retire today, but I had a really amazing week here in Wuhan.
"I really want to congratulate Venus. She's always such a tough player and she had an amazing week, as well.
"For sure we'll play again soon, and it's going to be a tough match, of course."
Currently ranked eighth in the world, Muguruza is projected to rise to a career-best fifth when the new rankings are released on Monday.
