She competed in the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in November, and now Yanina Wickmayer has already staked her claim for a spot in the 2010 event by defeating top seed Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-2 in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The Belgian, who joined the Road To Bali last year by winning titles at Estoril and Linz, claimed the third title of her career without dropping her serve during the entire week, and she has made an early start in her bid to win three International series events this year and put herself into contention for a $1 million bonus if she can also win in Bali.
"Flavia made me play my best tennis," said Wickmayer. "I knew the ball would just keep coming back so I was really aggressive. I knew I would either play amazing or make a lot of mistakes, but I felt really good and even when I made mistakes I knew as the match went further I wouldn't make them anymore. I'm happy the way everything turned out. This week will stay in my heart and soul for the rest of my life."
Pennetta conceded that the better player had won, saying, "She was too good today. She played unbelievable. I didn't think I played that badly. Of course I would have liked to win but it was a good week for me. Hopefully next time I can do something different."
The Brisbane International final followed, and it is already being talked of as being the best match that will be played this year as Kim Clijsters overcame Justine Henin 6-3 4-6 7-6(8-6). It was Clijsters' 36th singles title of her career, and the second since she made her comeback in last August.
"The level was so high and we were both competing our best," said Clijsters. "It's a good match when you're both playing well - that's what it's all about. I feel pretty good. I don't have any serious injuries or anything, and now I have the luxury of a few days off to recover."
As for Henin, playing her first tournament of her own comeback, she said,"I'm physically exhausted, but I can't be disappointed. I am proud of what I did on the court today. I left the Tour for 18 months and I can still compete with one of the best players out there. It was a bit of drama from beginning to end but at the end she played the important points better than I did."
The ASB Classic and the Brisbane International are just the first two of 32 tournaments this year that comprises the Road To Bali. The winner of each event will then be eligible, based on their ranking in November, to take part in the Commonwealth Bank tournament of Champions to be held at the Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua from 3rd to 7th November.
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