Venus Williams won the Wuhan Open on Saturday, when her Spanish opponent and fifth-seeded Garbine Muguruza retired with a left ankle injury, while trailing 6-3, 3-0.
It was Williams’ 47th WTA singles title.
“Well, this is a sad day today. I’m very sorry I had to retire today, but I had a really amazing week here in Wuhan,” said Muguruza.
Williams had to rally from 5-3 down in the third set of the quarterfinals to beat British qualifier Johanna Konta, and she saved a match point during a 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (4) semifinal win over Roberta Vinci.
Both finalists are projected to make major moves up the rankings Williams from No. 24 to No. 14 and Muguruza from No. 8 to No. 5, her top-five debut.
