MIAMI - Belarussian Victoria Azarenka, 19, thrashed injury-hampered world number one Serena Williams 6-3 6-1 to win the Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday.
Williams, heavily strapped on her left thigh, never looked fully mobile and was comfortably beaten in 71 minutes by one of the rising talents in the women's game.
The victory, the first top-tier triumph for Azarenka, pictured, stopped the American claiming a record sixth title at Key Biscayne.
It was clear from the outset Williams was not 100% fit and she said she had considered pulling out of the final.
"I thought about it. I don't like to not play but I definitely thought about it," said Williams. "It was a little difficult moving."
Azarenka, who will move up to eighth in world rankings, was nervous as she served for the match, producing a double-fault and allowing Williams break point.
The Arizona-based Azarenka said: "I've improved almost everything since last year but most of all I am believing in myself a little more."
The Belarussian teenager broke serve to go 2-1 up in the first set but was broken straight back, a sign Williams was up for a scrap. - Reuter
Serena tamed by injury and the Belarussian teenager in backyard
MIAMI - Belarussian Victoria Azarenka, 19, thrashed injury-hampered world number one Serena Williams 6-3 6-1 to win the Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday.
Williams, heavily strapped on her left thigh, never looked fully mobile and was comfortably beaten in 71 minutes by one of the rising talents in the women's game.
The victory, the first top-tier triumph for Azarenka, pictured, stopped the American claiming a record sixth title at Key Biscayne.
It was clear from the outset Williams was not 100% fit and she said she had considered pulling out of the final.
"I thought about it. I don't like to not play but I definitely thought about it," said Williams. "It was a little difficult moving."
Azarenka, who will move up to eighth in world rankings, was nervous as she served for the match, producing a double-fault and allowing Williams break point.
The Arizona-based Azarenka said: "I've improved almost everything since last year but most of all I am believing in myself a little more."
The Belarussian teenager broke serve to go 2-1 up in the first set but was broken straight back, a sign Williams was up for a scrap. - Reuter
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