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Victoria Azarenka has beaten Germany’s Angelique Kerber in straight sets to claim the Brisbane International title, her first piece of WTA silverware in two and a half years.
In an ominous display from the former world No.1, Azarenka wrestled control of the final midway through the first set and dominated proceedings from there on to beat Kerber 6-3 6-1 on Saturday night at Pat Rafter Arena.
It is Azarenka’s first WTA title since winning the Cincinnati Masters in August 2013 and caps off a stunning tournament from the resurgent Belarusian, who is set for a huge jump up the world rankings.
It should also send a scare through the women’s ranks ahead of the Australian Open, given so many top-line players are currently struggling with injury or form.
Kerber, the world No.10, was the highest seed left in Brisbane following the pre-tournament withdrawals of Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep and the foot injury that forced Garbine Muguruza to retire from the event midway through her second-round match.
Both players looked in excellent touch early but Azarenka’s first break, in the fifth game of the first set, was a turning point.
While Kerber was able to break straight back through some powerful baseline play, Azarenka did the same in response, which seemed to snap the German’s resistance.
Kerber had three break points in the first game of the second set but couldn’t convert, and from then onwards Azarenka never looked in doubt.
Two-time Australian Open winner Azarenka has also equalled the record for fewest games dropped by a women’s singles champion in Brisbane, which was set by Serena Williams, who lost only 17 games on her way to the 2013 title.
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