Tennis: Azarenka beats Williams to win Qatar Open

AP, Sunday 17 Feb 2013

Azarenka extended her current winning streak to 14 matches

Azarenka
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka returns the ball to Serena Williams of the U.S in the final match of the Qatar WTA Ladies Open tennis tournament, in Doha, Qatar,Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 (Photo: AP)

Defending champion Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams 7-6 (6), 2-6, 6-3 to win the Qatar Open on Sunday, earning her 16th title and ending a 10-match losing streak against the American.

Azarenka will give up the No. 1 ranking to Williams on Monday but extended her current winning streak to 14 matches, including her second Australian Open title. More importantly, she may have turned around what has been a one-sided rivalry against Williams. Azarenka had not beaten Williams since 2009 in Miami, and had a 1-11 record against the American going into Sunday's final.

Williams dominated the second set with her powerful serve and forehand, but Azarenka took a 5-2 lead in the third before clinching the victory.

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