Australian Open 2012 Results: Victoria Azarenka Routs Maria Sharapova To Win Title

By Alfie Crow

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Jan 28, 2012 - Victoria Azarenka entered the 2012 Australian Open as the No. 3 ranked player, but fought her way all the way to the finals. In the finals, Azarenka took on Maria Sharapova and dominated the Russian in straight sets in one of the most lopsided Australian Open finals victories, winning her first Grand Slam title and taking the No. 1 ranking in the world.

"I was super nervous," Azarenka said. "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."

There was no need for Azarenka to change the momentum however, as she dominated Sharapova in straight sets taking her 6-3 and 6-0 to pick up her first Grand Slam title. The match took just under an hour and half.

"She did everything better than I did today," Sharapova said. "I had a good first couple of games, and that was about it. Then she was the one that was taking the first ball and hitting it deep and aggressive. I was always the one running around like a rabbit, trying to play catch-up all the time. She was, a step quicker. Her shot was bigger. Just not a good combination, I guess."

Azerenka was able to get the better of Sharapova thanks to her movement, as she did to win 12 of her last 13 matches.

"It's a dream come true," she said. "I have been dreaming and working so hard to win the Grand Slam, and being No. 1 is pretty good bonus. Just the perfect ending and the perfect position to be in."

For more on the tournament, visit our tennis hub.

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