Victoria Azarenka claims second Indian Wells title with victory over Serena Williams
Monday 21 March 2016 07:38, UK
Victoria Azarenka defeated world No 1 Serena Williams in straight sets on Sunday to capture her second Indian Wells title.
The 26 year-old Belarussian dominated her opponent for large periods and deservedly took the match, 6-4 6-4, to claim her 19th career singles title.
Williams, who was aiming to become the first three-time winner of Indian Wells, started poorly and lost her serve in the very first game after a number of double faults.
World No 15 Azarenka maintained her advantage throughout the set to take it in 42 minutes.
The two-time Australian Open champion began the second set in the same rich vein of form and broke Williams at the first time of asking - eventually racing into a 5-2 lead.
Williams briefly rallied to reduce the deficit to 5-4 but Azarenka held her nerve to serve out for the title and beat the American for the first time since 2013.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion made 33 unforced errors in the match and admitted afterwards that she was disappointed with her performance.
"Definitely not the game plan," said Williams, following her defeat.
"I think I probably was trying to hit through nerves. I was talking to Patrick [Mouratoglou] and he said he has never seen me play that flat."
