AO Gallery: The Thrill Of The Fight
Published January 26, 2013 12:00
Li Na and Victoria Azarenka posed for the traditional pre-final photo Saturday night.
Azarenka had come out on the court with her own tradition - hoodie, headphones, focus.
Li started better in the match, racing out to a 5-2 lead and taking the first set, 6-4.
But a rolled ankle early in the second set seemed to snap her momentum a little bit.
And then another fall early in the third set required another timeout for the Chinese.
In the end Li's accidents - as well as Azarenka's impressive fight - sealed the deal.
Li and Azarenka met at the net after Azarenka completed a 46 64 63 comeback victory.
Azarenka burst into tears after coming out on top following an emotional fortnight.
Azarenka's player box - which included LMFAO star Redfoo - was thrilled with the result.
Azarenka and Li shared some laughs as they awaited their turn during the trophy ceremony.
Margaret Court - who holds the all-time Grand Slam record of 24 titles - was on hand.
Azarenka won her second Grand Slam title, her first coming a year ago, also in Australia.
It was Azarenka's 15th WTA title, 14 of those coming on hardcourts and one on clay.
Azarenka also held onto the World No.1 ranking. Serena Williams will rise to No.2.
Azarenka's next events come in a few weeks at Middle Eastern stops in Doha and Dubai.
Topics: 2013, tournaments, news, photos or videos, na li, victoria azarenka, margaret court, australian open
