• Text size
  • Send this article to a friend
  • Print this article

Azarenka brushes aside Sharapova to win first Grand Slam in Melbourne

The women's tour has a new No 1 and on the evidence of yesterday's stunning 6-3, 6-0 win over Maria Sharapova in the final of the Australian Open, Victoria Azarenka could take an awful lot of stopping over the months to come.

Victoria Azarenka celebrates victory at the Australian Open Photograph: Reuters
Victoria Azarenka celebrates victory at the Australian Open Photograph: Reuters
Custom byline text: 
Simon Cambers

On her first appearance in a Grand Slam final, the 22-year-old overcame an early bout of nerves to outplay Sharapova in every department, winning nine straight games from 3-3 to become the first woman from Belarussia to win one of the sport's four biggest titles.

Related Articles: 
In battle of the shriekers there's more than a grand slam at stake