Despite the win, Azarenka was replaced by Williams on top of the WTA rankings yesterday. PHOTO: AFP
The Belarusian’s 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3 win over the legendary American also completed back-to-back title defences, as
last month she also defended the Australian Open title in Melbourne.
“I just wanted to fight and give it my best, and give myself every opportunity,” said Azarenka. “I started at love-30 down and it was ‘you have to keep it together and pull it around’. Serena was on a roll.
I knew she would bring her A game, and I was really glad I could stay tough and focused.” Williams, 31, insisted she will take comfort from becoming the oldest woman to take the world number one spot. “I can’t say that I’m depressed like I am whenever I lose,” she said. ”It was a good match overall. Victoria played really well, and did a great job. “I’m definitely not happy, but I’m number one.
It was such a long journey, and after winning Wimbledon and the US Open and the (seasonending) Championships, I thought, I just don’t think I can win anymore. I don’t know what it takes to be number one. “So it was awesome to come here and achieve that goal.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2013.
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