World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka broke down in tears after beating Li Na 4-6 6-4 6-3 in an incident-packed final of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka broke down in tears after beating Li Na 4-6 6-4 6-3 in an incident-packed final of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
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However, she regained her composure to celebrate her second grand slam title, thanking the crowd for the second year in a row after retaining her title and the world No. 1 ranking.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
However, she regained her composure to celebrate her second grand slam title, thanking the crowd for the second year in a row after retaining her title and the world No. 1 ranking.
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Li, the 2011 runner-up, was able to smile despite a difficult match in which she twice needed on-court treatment and was also disrupted by a break for Australia Day fireworks when 2-1 ahead in the final set.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
Li, the 2011 runner-up, was able to smile despite a difficult match in which she twice needed on-court treatment and was also disrupted by a break for Australia Day fireworks when 2-1 ahead in the final set.
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Li, the first Asian to win a women's singles grand slam title when she triumphed at the 2011 French Open, needed to have her foot strapped up after twisting her ankle at 3-1 down in the second set.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
Li, the first Asian to win a women's singles grand slam title when she triumphed at the 2011 French Open, needed to have her foot strapped up after twisting her ankle at 3-1 down in the second set.
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The 30-year-old also needed treatment in the deciding set, when she went over on her ankle again and then hit her head on the court.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
The 30-year-old also needed treatment in the deciding set, when she went over on her ankle again and then hit her head on the court.
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Li was the strong crowd favorite, with many fans unhappy with Azarenka after she took a controversial medical timeout during her semifinal win over U.S. teen Sloane Stephens.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
Li was the strong crowd favorite, with many fans unhappy with Azarenka after she took a controversial medical timeout during her semifinal win over U.S. teen Sloane Stephens.
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But Azarenka did have some support -- her boyfriend Stefan "Redfoo" Gordy (center), the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and a pop star in his own right as a member of the band LMFAO.
Tearful title for Azarenka —
But Azarenka did have some support -- her boyfriend Stefan "Redfoo" Gordy (center), the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and a pop star in his own right as a member of the band LMFAO.
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