Vika Victorious in Melbourne to Claim Second Consecutive Championship
Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka won her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, rallying from a set down to beat Li Na in a dramatic three-setter and successfully defend her Australian Open crown. Though she broke in the first game, Azarenka soon fell far behind against Li, losing five of the next six games as Li built a 5-2 lead; Azarenka cut that lead to 5-4 and nearly evened it up, saving three set points in that game – but she double faulted on the fourth set point. First set Li, 6-4.
Li tumbled to the court after twisting her left ankle in the fifth game of the second set and had it taped. On the first point after a 10-minute pause in the third set while fireworks boomed overhead from nearby Australia Day celebrations, Li fell over again and slammed the back of her head on the court. The 2011 French Open champion was treated and had another timeout before being allowed to resume the match.
Azarenka, who broke down in tears and sobbed into her towel when the match ended, won five of the next six games to claim her second major title and retain the world number one ranking.
"Unfortunately, you have to go through some rough patches to achieve great things. That’s what makes it so special for me," said Azarenka. "I went through that, and I’m still able to kiss that beautiful trophy."
Serena Williams, who lost in the quarterfinals, will become the new number two in the rankings.
"First, congratulations to Victoria," Li said. "Thanks for all the sponsors for making a fantastic tournament—I really enjoy playing here. Thanks to my team, though two weeks ago I really hated them because they were pushing me a lot! And thanks to all the fans here for supporting me so much. I know I’m not young, but I have to say I’m really looking forward to coming back next year."
