KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – Belarus teenager Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams, 6-3, 6-1, in the Sony Ericsson Open final, spoiling the top-ranked American’s bid for a record sixth Key Biscayne title on Saturday.
The loss ended Williams’ reign at Key Biscayne. She was bidding for her third title in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.
“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”
The result continued the rise of 10th-ranked Azarenka, who won her first career titles at Brisbane in January and Memphis in February. She said, “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”
Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.
“You could see the leg tape right away,” 19-year-old Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”
Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.
Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony. (AP)