Aus Open: Azarenka wins maiden grand slam

Belarusian third seed Victoria Azarenka has won her maiden grand slam title and in the process became the new world number one following her straight sets victory over fourth seeded Russian Maria Sharapova on the 2012 Australian Open Women’s Singles Final on Saturday night.

Needing only 82 minutes Azarenka, in her first grand slam final was crowned 2012 Australian Open Women’s Singles champion following a straight sets 6-3 6-0 victory over Sharapova out on Rod Laver Arena.

The victory meant that for the first time in the open era all current women’s singles grand slam champions (Li Na – 2011 French Open; Petra Kvitova – 2011 Wimbledon; Sam Stosur – 2011 US Open) are first time winners.

In what was dubbed the battle of the shriekers it was Azarenka that dominated the contest (hitting 12 unforced errors to her opponents 30) to create history as she became the first Belarusian in either side of the draw to win a grand slam singles title.

Azarenka not only claimed her maiden grand slam title but in doing so she also claimed the world number one spot previously held by Dane Caroline Wozniacki who had that spot for 67 consecutive weeks.

The Belarusian who mouthed the words ‘what happened’ moments after claiming the title started off shakily as fell behind 0-2 in the opening set before regaining her composure and reeling off 12 of the next 13 games.

“I was super nervous,” Azarenka said afterwards at her media conference. “I couldn’t wait to actually go on the court and play. It was a long wait.  I was like, ‘Okay, I’m ready to go. When is it coming?  What time is it?’ I just think I really handled well the situation after that little slack in the beginning. I’m glad I could stay humble and just take it one at a time.  Just keep fighting, keep fighting, and changing the momentum.”

Her opponent in Maria Sharapova was extremely gracious afterwards congratulating the new world number one on claiming her first ever grand slam singles title.

The 24-year-old Russian who was returning after three months out following shoulder surgery was pleased to have made it this far in the tournament, her third final at the year’s first grand slam.

“Obviously to get to the final is a good achievement, but to end up being the one that loses is always tough, no matter what sport you’re in,” commented Sharapova after the match.

“But I’m proud of the fact that I made it this far … It’s a good start to the year, I guess, for me. I have a lot to look forward to this year.”