Victoria Azarenka won her 18th career title in Brisbane on Sunday, making her one of the favorites at the Australian Open. She's already won in Melbourne twice, in 2012 and 2013.
Victoria Azarenka won her 18th career title in Brisbane on Sunday, making her one of the favorites at the Australian Open. She's already won in Melbourne twice, in 2012 and 2013.
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After capturing the Brisbane title, Azarenka brought a nine-year-old fan onto the court during the trophy presentation
After capturing the Brisbane title, Azarenka brought a nine-year-old fan onto the court during the trophy presentation
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Azarenka's improved form, coupled with injuries to players including defending champion Serena Williams, means she could lift a third crown in Melbourne.
Azarenka's improved form, coupled with injuries to players including defending champion Serena Williams, means she could lift a third crown in Melbourne.
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Maria Sharapova, a five-time winner of majors, is another player under an injury cloud. She withdrew from Brisbane with an arm complaint.
Maria Sharapova, a five-time winner of majors, is another player under an injury cloud. She withdrew from Brisbane with an arm complaint.
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Back in 2012, Azarenka was the most dominant player in the early part of the season, not only triumphing in Melbourne but compiling a 26-match winning streak.
Back in 2012, Azarenka was the most dominant player in the early part of the season, not only triumphing in Melbourne but compiling a 26-match winning streak.
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Azarenka was in tears after winning the Australian Open again in 2013, defeating China's Li Na.
Azarenka was in tears after winning the Australian Open again in 2013, defeating China's Li Na.
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But there were tears of anguish, she admitted, in 2014 after she broke up with pop star boyfriend Redfoo.
But there were tears of anguish, she admitted, in 2014 after she broke up with pop star boyfriend Redfoo.
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That year was also difficult on the injury front for Azarenka. She was sidelined for most of the year with a foot ailment, which sent her ranking tumbling.
That year was also difficult on the injury front for Azarenka. She was sidelined for most of the year with a foot ailment, which sent her ranking tumbling.
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The former world No. 1 admitted she was still in pain for much of 2015 but managed to test Williams in Madrid, at the French Open and at Wimbledon.
The former world No. 1 admitted she was still in pain for much of 2015 but managed to test Williams in Madrid, at the French Open and at Wimbledon.
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With her run in Brisbane, she began 2016 in the best possible fashion.
With her run in Brisbane, she began 2016 in the best possible fashion.
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