Dubai, UAE  - Venus Williams put this week's controversy to the side as she lifted the 40th title of her career, claiming the Barclays Championships title 6-4, 6-2 over Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, will move back into the WTA Top 5 for the first time since 2003 after her success at an event thrown into chaos by the visa exclusion of Israeli Shahar Peer.

Williams took the opportunity to praise Peer during post-match ceremonies following the win in just over 90 minutes over 58th-ranked Frenchwomen Razzano.

Dubai, UAE - Venus Williams won her first title of the season as she claimed the Barclays Championships on her fourth attempt with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, followed up her second straight defeat of her sister Serena in the semi-finals as she beat the 58th-ranked Frenchwomen in just over 90 minutes.

Razzano, who prepared after her own semi-final win with a spa treatment and a beer with dinner, was stretched out on court with a back problem after the seventh game of the opening set, trailing 3-4 on serve.

Dubai, UAE  - Challenger Virginie Razzano relaxed with a luxury spa treatment followed by a calming glass of beer the night before before facing Venus Williams for the title at the Barclays Championships on Saturday.

The number 58 with two career titles from 2007 is not one to worry too much about the immediate future after crushing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1, 6-2.

Venus Williams advanced over her world number one sibling as they met for the 19th time, winning 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3).

Dubai, UAE  - French surprise packet Virginie Razzano will relax with her boyfriend and a calming glass of beer before facing Venus Williams for the title at the Barclays Championships on Saturday.

The number 58 with two career titles from 2007 is not one to worry too much about the immediate future after crushing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1, 6-2.

Venus Williams advanced over her world number one sibling as they met for the 19th time, winning 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3).

Dubai, UAE  - Rafael Nadal joined Roger Federer on the injury list for next week's Barclays Championships, with the Spanish No. 1 pulling out on Thursday to rest from a knee injury.

Nadal's website said that he had to cancel his trip to Dubai due to doctor's orders.

Separately, Federer withdrew with a back injury, which will also cause him to skip Switzerland's Davis Cup tie in Alabama against the United States March 6-8.

Dubai, UAE  - Ana Ivanovic got off to a winning start under new coach Craig Kardon, reaching the second round in a stroll at the Barclays Championships on Monday.

The French Open winner only teamed with the American a week or so ago in hopes of stopping her slide after winning Roland Garros but failing to back up that big win.

The Serb defeated Russian Alisa Kleybanova 7-5, 6-4 to take revenge for a third-round upset loss in the Australian Open, the last time Ivanovic played a WTA match.