Madrid Masters Cup: Venus Williams outclassed by Aravane Rezai in a major setback

Dazzling Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai stunned everyone on Sunday with a whacking 6-2, 7-5 victory over Venus Williams to win the Madrid Masters ending a week-long killing spree.

23 year-old Rezai , who won the previous two WTA titles in Strasbourg and Bali , clinched the the biggest success in the career by upsetting Venus in just over one and a half hour.

The victory was Rezai’s third major triumph in the same week after knocking out former number one players Justine Henin in the first round and Jelena Jankovic in the quarters.Williams, who was emulating for a 44th career crown, was run down in the 27-minute opening set and was unable to take advantage of a 4-1 lead in the second.

Instead of folding and saving strength for a deciding third set, Rezai, who whacked every ball with brute force, managed to claw her way back, saved a Williams set point in the eighth game and five more a game later to hold for 5-all.Rezai made the most of her chances, refusing to roll over in what looked to be the start of a Williams fightback midway through the second set.The Frenchwoman converted on five of ten break points while Williams managed to break just twice on 13 opportunities. A break of the frustrated American gave Rezai a 6-5 lead, with the number 24 calmly serving out the biggest victory of her career a game later.

Rezai was totally stunned after the match and was unable to believe the outcome. She had tried her best and it worked well for her.

An inflicted Williams, winner of nine clay titles, showcased brevity during the trophy ceremony by congratulating the winner. However , despite the setback , Williams will return to the world number two ranking behind sister Serena.

Rezai now stands 9-4 on clay this season and will have it all to prove again with the French Open getting underway on Sunday and where she would be now seen as one of the perilous contenders. She will move into the top 20 as a result of her efforts and also stands 2-1 over Williams after beating the American in Istanbul in 2007 while ironically losing that year at Amelia Island, both times on clay.