By Dmitry Baranovsky
Li Na initially took the initiative, winning the first set 6:4. The second set lasted nearly an hour and saw Azarenko reassert herself. In the third, a real fight ensued, with Li Na leading 3:1 early on. After having endured ankle problems in the second set, she took a misstep and fell badly, hitting her head on the court’s surface. However, after a short break, she returned, showing strength of nerve and character. Li Na played well but eventually conceded victory to Ms. Azarenko — 6:3.
Victoria’s delight was evident and she announced, “I’m happy, although the match was long and complicated. Li Na gave me a great game. I’m very pleased that, after all that happened to me in this tournament, I managed to play my best, concentrating on the tennis. I like to fight.”
Victoria is celebrating her 15th title and retains her number one seed ranking, as well as $2.5m in prize money. By winning in Australia, she has shown that she is a true leader in women’s tennis. Victoria is the eighth tennis player to defend her title at the Australian Open and has no plans to retire!
