Victoria Azarenka crushes Serena Williams in final

Omnisports

March 20, 2016 7:40 AM

Serena Williams suffered back-to-back final defeats for the first time in 12 years as Victoria Azarenka charged to the title at Indian Wells

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Victoria Azarenka secured a straight-sets victory over world number one Serena Williams to claim the BNP Paribas Open title 6-4 6-4.

The Belarusian claimed her first title since the 2013 Australian Open at the Brisbane International in January, and added a second in 2016??with a dominant display, consigning a frustrated Williams - beaten by Angelique Kerber in Melbourne in January - to consecutive final losses for the first time since 2004.

Azarenka set the tone for the match by charging into an early 2-0 lead in the first set, producing a brilliant ace to make up for a double-fault in her first service game.

Williams pulled off an incredible running forehand that left her doing the splits to come back to 3-2, but she paid the price for a number of unforced errors ??? 33 across the whole match.

Azarenka held her serve for the remainder, with Williams hitting a forehand into the net to hand her opponent the opening set.

The Belarusian did not let up and took a 3-0 lead in the second set, with Williams' frustration evident as she subsequently smashed two racquets at a change of ends to earn a points penalty.

World number one Williams showed fantastic determination to rally back from 5-1 and gain two break points for the opportunity to draw level in the second set.

However, Azarenka recovered to serve out the match and secure a return to the top 10 in the world rankings, regaining the title she last won in 2012.

Omnisports