Azarenka broke the former world number one three times in the first set as she took advantage of 16 unforced errors in the second set by Sharapova to win the $700,000 hardcourt event.
Azarenka, likely to jump six spots from her ranking of 19th, improved to 19-5 this season on hardcourts, the surface where she has won her four career WTA titles and where she will play at the US Open later this month.
“It just brings me so much confidence and passion to go, especially before the US Open,” said Azarenka. “I’m glad I’m picking up my form and gaining so much confidence.”
Sharapova, who had won 17 of 20 prior matches, missed a chance to claim her third title of the year and jump above her 15th-place ranking to her best since returning from a shoulder injury in May of 2009.
“Congratulations to ‘Nika on great playing and a great week,” said Sharapova. “I’m sure we will be playing many more times so I will get my revenge.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2010.
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