Serena Williams Beats Maria Sharapova At WTA Championships

For the third time in her career, Serena Williams has won the WTA Championships.

Williams defeated Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3 today to win the elite end of the year tournament. She also won the WTA Championship in 2001 and 2009. According to ESPN, Williams, 31, is the oldest person to win the WTA Championships.

Bleacher Report notes that Williams simply over-powered Sharapova during the final today. The American tennis player hit six aces during the first set, including a set-point ace. Williams has frequently gotten the best of Sharapova. Williams has beaten Sharapova ten times during their 12 meetings. The last time that Sharapova beat Williams was at the WTA Championships in 2004.

Before their match, Sharapova said:

“I haven’t beaten her (Williams) for a long time. She is certainly the one to beat this year, especially the second part of the year with the way she’s played. No reason why I can’t go out there and give it my all.”

Williams WTA Championship victory caps a fantastic season for Williams. She won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and a gold medal at the London Olympics. But due to a slow start to the season, Williams will have to settle for the number 3 ranking.

Sharapova secured the No.2 spot when she advanced to the finals. Victoria Azarenka, who lost to Sharapova in the semi-finals, will finish the year as tennis’ best player.