Razzano shocks Venus to win title

Razzano collected her second title in two weeks

France's Virginie Razzano caused a huge upset by beating top seed Venus Williams in the Japan Open final.

Williams, seeking her 37th title, had three match points in the second set tiebreak before losing 4-6 7-6 6-4.

The American was troubled by a leg injury but paid tribute to her opponent, saying: "She played good at all the right moments."

In the men's tournament, France's Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer of Spain reached the final.

Gasquet beat second seed Tomas Berdych 7-6 6-3 while top seed Ferrer overcame Ivo Karlovic by the same scoreline.

Gasquet will seek to make it a French double in Toyko following Razzano's shock triumph on Saturday.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Venus' defeat

The 24-year-old claimed her first WTA trophy in Guangzhou last week but had lost her previous two matches against Williams in straight sets.

However, she said she always believed she could win - even at match point down.

"I never felt the match was lost, even with three match points against me," said the fifth seed, who will climb into the top 30 for the first time.

"I played my best tennis at those moments. I tried to play simple and stay aggressive. It was a good system for me."

Williams admitted the injury had bothered her.

"My leg started bothering me in the first set and then you know it's going to hurt the whole match," said the Wimbledon champion.

"I decided to play because I wanted to win and I have no regrets. But in the third set when I got up to serve I couldn't get my leg up."