Davenport Outlasts Williams

Lindsay Davenport defeated Venus Williams, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 7-6 (4), Sunday to win her third Bank of the West Classic tennis title.

Davenport ended a six-match losing streak to Williams in the longtime rivals’ 23rd meeting -- and quite possibly the best.

After countless thrilling points in a tense, well-played match stretching nearly three hours, Davenport thrust her arms into the air when Williams’ final backhand went wide.

Davenport, seeded second, has won three of her finals meetings with Williams at the tournament, including victories in 1998 and 1999. It was her 41st WTA singles title and her third this year.

Williams, seeded first, fell a few key points short of her third title of the season, making crucial unforced errors. She has a 12-11 lead in her career over Davenport -- but if Davenport retires after the season, the match was an appropriate finale.