Rezai earns title in Bali after top seeded countrywoman retires

When the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour was promoting the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions as a showcase of the up-and-coming stars of women's tennis, they couldn't have alluded to a better ending. Although it may not have been the ending she wanted, 22-year-old Aravane Rezai won her biggest career title against Marion Bartoli.

Rezai, who won her first Tour title in Strasbourg, used her big groundstrokes to hang tough with the top-seeded Bartoli, rallying from set point down at 3-5 to lead the first set, 6-5, with double set point. Bartoli called the trainer to treat her for a left quadriceps strain but when she went back on court she served a double fault to lose the set, 7-5. At that point she retired in tears.

"It's a great feeling to be here in the final. I'm very sorry for Marion that this happened," Rezai said. "I'd prefer to win in a different way, but it's tennis, a lot of different things happen. The people here are so nice. I was really motivated to win here. I want to thank the sponsors of this tournament and Sony Ericsson, also all the volunteers, the fans who came to support us, the ballboys, the chair umpire, the linesmen... thank you all, you made this tournament great."

"I'm crying right now, but I'm so happy to be here," Bartoli said. "First of all I'd like to congratulate Aravane on the wonderful week she had. She played some great tennis. I have to thank one person - my dad. Thank you so much, daddy. My leg was hurting and I tried my best to carry on, but it was too much pain. I'm sorry I wasn't able to finish today. I'd like to thank Sony Ericsson for making this tour possible, and to Commonwealth Bank for this wonderful tournament."

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Singles - Final
Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (1) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 75 ret. (left quad strain