Serena crushes Azarenka to clinch Madrid Masters

American wins back-to-back WTA clay titles.

MADRID: Serena Williams crushed world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-1, 6-3 to win the Madrid Masters and make a return to the number six ranking.

The American has now won back-to-back WTA clay titles after claiming Charleston in the US a month ago.

“I’m so happy to win this title,” said Williams, who now owns five wins on clay. “I really felt good on the court.”

The bruising victory lifted the American to a 7-1 record over Azarenka, who won her only match in the series in Miami, 2009.

Williams swept to a double-break in 12 minutes at the start, secured the set in 26 minutes on a double-fault and continued the demolition in the second set to complete the win in 64 minutes.

Azarenka remains upbeat despite loss

With the Rome Masters beckoning today, Azarenka maintained a positive attitude.

“Serena played well and I didn’t,” said the Belarusian. “She was so much better than me. But I have to take the positives. These moments let you see what you can do better. I know I can come up with better things the next time — and I will.

“I had a few opportunities in the second set but I didn’t take anything. I tried to get back but it didn’t work.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2012.