World number one Serena Williams began her 2014 season on a dominating note after she successfully defended the Brisbane International title on Sunday. The American won her 58th career WTA title after defeating world number two Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 7-5.
“I want to congratulate Serena on a great week and a great match today,” Azarenka said during the trophy presentation. “I always enjoy playing you and I hope to meet you again in Melbourne.
“Since my first year here I’ve had such good memories and I’ll take some from this year too,” she added.
Williams also complimented her Belarussian rival during the presentation.
“I want to congratulate Vika for being a great player and a great champion, and just someone I enjoy playing against and seeing around,” Williams said. “And I hope we do play in Melbourne because that would mean we would make it far.
“I would also like to thank the crowd here in Brisbane for always being so supportive.”
Williams is still 7th on the all-time list for most number of WTA titles but she could be well on her way to overtake Eva Goolagong Cawley in fifth place (68) and Billie Jean King (67).
The American is currently enjoying a 22-match winning streak. Since losing in the final of the Cincinnati Open to Azarenka, Williams would go on to win the US Open, the China Open and WTA Championships to end the 2013 season on a high.
Williams without a doubt is a heavy favorite to win the Australian Open which begins in a week’s time. She defeated her closest rivals, starting with Maria Sharapova in the semifinals and Azarenka in the final.
“I feel like I’m being pushed into the deep end straightaway,” Williams said. “I think it’s a good thing. In Melbourne if I have to face Maria again I’ll know a little bit more what to expect, and same thing with Victoria. If I happen to play against her in Melbourne, I’ll know what to do and what to expect.”
