TENNIS in DEPTH.

Aravane Rezai became the first winner of the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions when Marion Bartoli retired after losing the opening set 7-5.

The match, the first all-French final since Amelie Mauresmo defeated Mary Pierce for the Paris Indoors title in February 2006, had been shaping up beautifully as both players came out firing and engaged in a succession of furiously-contested rallies. Both pounded their groundstrokes, made great returns and ran each other around the court as they sought an advantage.

The first four games went with serve, before Bartoli broke to lead 3-2 after a strong service return from her led to Rezai netting a forehand. Bartoli then survived two break points in the next game as Rezai netted a pair of forehands, and then she held a set point at 5-3 when Rezai double-faulted.

But she made a poor return and Rezai went on to hold for 5-4. Then Bartoli missed another opportunity when she failed to serve out the set, netting a backhand on break point. Yet another chance went begging at 5-5 when Bartoli was unable to convert a break point as Rezai sent a terrific backhand winner down the line.

Leading 6-5, Rezai then went up 40-15 on Bartoli’s serve when she won a typically long and hard-fought rally, but Bartoli then limped to her chair and called for the trainer. Obviously in great pain, she received treatment to her left leg, had it taped, and tried to continue the match. But it was hopeless, and after double-faulting to lose the set she retired with a left quad strain.

“It’s a big surprise to finish like that and I’m very sorry for her,” said Rezai, who added $200,000 to her bank account. “She looks like she hurt a lot and I hope it is not a big injury.

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