(January 9, 2016) Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka won her first tournament since Cincinnati in August of 2013 by capturing the Brisbane International. The woman from Belarus dominated the fourth seed, German Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-1. This is the 18th career WTA title for Azarenka and the second time she has won this event. She last captured the crown in 2009.
“Every time I play in front of this crowd I couldn’t be happier,” said the champion to the crowd after the match. “My dreams come true whenever I step on the court, and I want to thank you all for showing up, motivating us so much and inspiring us so much.”
The beginning of the tournament saw top seeds withdraw with injuries in Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova. The unseeded Azarenka who has dealt with injuries to her left leg and foot over the past two years, seeing ranking slip to No. 22, lost a mere 17 games en route to the tournament victory. That ties her with No. 1 Serena Williams in least games surrendered during the tournament.
Azarenka hit 23 winners to 9 unforced errors in her match against Kerber. She is now 6-0 against the German.
Azarenka, who won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013 has now won 35 out of her last 39 matches down under dating back to 2012.