This content was published 13 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

She had a legitimate shot at the doubles crown here at the Foro Italico, but no-one expected Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez to reach the singles final as well, let alone win it
In the end, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez was a victim of her own success, coming off court having defeated Jelena Jankovic 7-6(5), 7-5 and barely having the time to change dresses and answer a few questions before heading straight back onto centre court to accompany Nurai Llagostera Vives, with whom she won the WTA Year-Ending Championships in 2009, in the doubles final.
“I’m so excited I still can’t believe it, it’s hard to find the words right now,” the Spanish left-hander said in between the two finals. “After the doubles titles in the Championships, this is amazing and definitely the biggest title in the singles. It still hasn’t sunk in. This is a moment that will go down in history and I’ve worked so hard to get here.”
Matinez Sanchez was a hit with the crows throughout the week due to her uncharacteristic style. She is one of few players in either women’s or indeed men’s tennis who plays serve and volley, and she relies heavily on the drop shot. “Yes, it is one of the keys to my game, especially on clay, and fortunately it worked very well today,” said the Spaniard, who is set to rise into the top 20 in the WTA rankings, and who was determined to add a doubles title to her newly minted singles crown. “At the moment it’s not easy physically or mentally to play both and to win both, but I think I will rest a little and then go out, and I think we can do it.”
And off she went, ready to serve and volley some more on what has become a happy hunting ground…