TENNIS in DEPTH.

Shahar Peer has taken her fourth and fifth WTA titles in back-to-back weeks in 2009, following up last week’s Guangzhou title run with another in Tashkent, beating Akgul Amanmuradova in straight sets in the final.

Peer, the No.2 seed at the International-level tournament, won a routine first set and survived a break-filled second set to prevail, 63 64. Peer got the only two breaks in the first set but seven of the 10 games of the second set went against the server, with the Israeli winning four. It was the pair’s fifth career meeting – Peer is 5-0 now, and has never lost more than four games in any set.

“I’ve played 10 matches in row without dropping a set, and that’s a nice feeling. I’m happy I’m playing well,” Peer said. “I had played Akgul four times before and knew her game fairly well, but I knew today would be difficult, so I tried to play my best and not give her any chances. I’m happy by father was with me these last two weeks, because I won both tournaments!”

“The keys to my wins this week, my forehand and serve, just didn’t work today,” Amanmuradova said. “I’m disappointed to have lost after coming so far, but I’m happy to have lost to a good player. I give credit to Shahar for playing great tennis and handling the pressure of the large crowd today.”

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