Azarenka ousts defending champion Li to clinch Sydney International title

World number three Victoria Azarenka won her fifth Premier event title at the Apia International Sydney 2012 tournament after beating defending champion Li Na of China in three sets 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.

There was so much talk about the possibility of Petra Kvitova taking over the number one ranking this week that Azarenka was overlooked in this event. With both number one Caroline Wozniacki and Kvitova being booted out prior to the final, eyes were now on both Li Na and Azarenka.

“It was really difficult. I knew at some point I would get a chance, so I just had to stay with her and fight. I kept my composure,” Azarenka said.

“We showed some incredible tennis out there. Li Na, she’s always dangerous, and she proved it again today. I’m just glad I could overcome her and win this match,” she added.

Azarena now has nine career WTA titles out of 17 final appearances.