Azarenka crushes Williams in Indian Wells final
Victoria Azarenka secured a straight-sets victory over world number one Serena Williams to claim the BNP Paribas Open title 6-4 6-4.
The Belarusian claimed her first title since the 2013 Australian Open at the Brisbane International in January, and added a second in 2016 with a dominant display, consigning a frustrated Williams – beaten by Angelique Kerber in Melbourne in January – to consecutive final losses for the first time since 2004.
Azarenka set the tone for the match by charging into an early 2-0 lead in the first set, producing a brilliant ace to make up for a double-fault in her first service game.
Williams pulled off an incredible running forehand that left her doing the splits to come back to 3-2, but she paid the price for a number of unforced errors – 33 across the whole match.
Azarenka held her serve for the remainder, with Williams hitting a forehand into the net to hand her opponent the opening set.
The Belarusian did not let up and took a 3-0 lead in the second set, with Williams’ frustration evident as she subsequently smashed two racquets at a change of ends to earn a points penalty.
World number one Williams showed fantastic determination to rally back from 5-1 and gain two break points for the opportunity to draw level in the second set.
However, Azarenka recovered to serve out the match and secure a return to the top 10 in the world rankings, regaining the title she last won in 2012.
