Nusa Dua, Bali. One French star enjoyed a successful end to the season, while another saw her year end in pain.
Aravane Rezai emerged victorious in the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions final on Sunday after Marion Bartoli withdrew with a quad strain. Rezai, who won the first set 7-5, pocketed $200,000 and her second title of the season.
“It’s a big surprise and I’m very sorry for [Bartoli]. I hope it’s not a big injury,” Rezai, 22, said after the all-France final. “But in tennis there is a winner and a loser, and I’m happy to be the winner today.”
Rezai’s winner’s check nearly doubled her season earnings, having won $333,076 going into the tournament at the Bali International Convention Center. Her other victory came in Strasbourg, France.
“This victory means so much to me. This only proves that I can be a much better player on the tour,” she said.
