Defending champion looks vulnerable to her sister’s challenge after a testing victory over Jelena Jankovic

 

Serena Williams will have to beat Venus for the second time in five days if she is to end her best season in seven years by taking away her elder sister’s title at the WTA Championships in Doha.

The world No1 reached the final of the injury-ravaged women’s tour-end event when Caroline Wozniacki retired with a stomach injury early in the second set.

The 19-year-old Dane, who collapsed on court with all-over cramps on Thursday, was the third player to fail to complete the tournament, wisely quitting after one game of the second set, having lost the first 6-4.

“Caroline was incredible even to come on court,” said Serena, who matched her opponent for volume of thigh bandages and appears herself to be some way short of her fittest.

The only person whose condition may have improved is WTA Tour trainer Melissa Baudo, who can rarely have had so much exercise over a six-day period, hurrying repeatedly on and off the court to deal with the crocks.

Among the worst hit is Venus Williams, who has already said she is not fit enough for next weekend’s Federation Cup final in Sicily and who had treatment six times on her left knee during a gritty 5-7 6-3 6-4 semi-final win over the former world No1 Jelena Jankovic.

Had it not been the last tournament of the year, Venus, who came to the net frequently to shorten the rallies, might well not have defended her title. And after losing her first two matches, going a set down to Jankovic, and then recovering from a break of serve down in the final set, it was a miracle of survival by her. “As it’s the last tournament, I’m just trying to give it a 1,000 per cent,” she said. Even that might not be enough against Serena.

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