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Serena Williams started 2014 in the same vein as she ended last season as she defeated world No.2 Victoria Azarenka to claim the Brisbane International title

Williams tops Azarenka for Brisbane crown


 

Originally published on 06/01/14

In a match-up between the top two players in the world, Williams claimed a 6-4 7-5 victory to lift the 58th trophy of her career.

The world No.1 converted the only break point in the opening set and survived a second-set wobble to end Azarenka’s 24-match winning streak in Australia.

The Australian Open champion recovered from 0-2 down in the second set to storm to a 4-2 lead, but could not maintain her advantage as Williams stormed back to clinch her 22nd straight victory since her defeat to Azarenka in the Cincinnati final in August.

"I feel like I’m being pushed into the deep end straightaway,” said Williams, who beat Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals. “I think it’s a good thing. In Melbourne if I have to face Maria [Sharapova] again I’ll know a little bit more what to expect, and same thing with Victoria. If I happen to play her in Melbourne, I’ll know what to do and what to expect.”

Meanwhile, Venus Williams was beaten 6-2 5-7 6-4 by Ana Ivanovic in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland. Victory for Venus would have marked the first time both sisters had won a WTA title in the same week in 15 years.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.