Victoria Azarenka has beaten Germany's Angelique Kerber in straight sets to claim the Brisbane International title, her first piece of WTA silverware in two and a half years, and announce herself as a genuine Australian Open contender.
In an ominous display from the former world No.1, Azarenka wrestled control of the final midway through the first set and dominated proceedings from there on to beat Kerber 6-3 6-1 on Saturday night at Pat Rafter Arena.
It is Azarenka's first WTA title since winning the Cincinnati Masters in August 2013 and caps off a stunning tournament from the resurgent Belarusian, who is set for a huge jump up the world rankings.
It should also send a scare through the women's ranks ahead of the Australian Open, given so many top-line players are currently struggling with injury or form.
"I'm not sure I feel relief," Azarenka said.
"I wanted to win the title, but I didn't feel, if this doesn't happen the world is going to end.
"I just feel really excited and happy that I'm doing the right things. I'm excited to keep working hard.
"It just gives extra motivation to keep working hard and achieve better things."
Kerber made no bones about the result, her sixth loss to two-time Open winner Azarenka in as many attempts.
"I don't know, but for me it's always tough to play against her," she said.
"I hope one day will come where I can beat her.
"Vika was the better player today, that's all that I can say."
Kerber, the world No.10, was the highest seed left in Brisbane following the pre-tournament withdrawals of Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep and the foot injury that forced Garbine Muguruza to retire from the event midway through her second-round match.
Both players looked in excellent touch early but Azarenka took firm control after she and Kerber traded breaks in the first set.
Azarenka's second break took her to 4-3, then she held serve after a long rally and claimed the set on a Kerber double-fault.
Kerber then had three break points in the first game of the second set but couldn't convert, and from there Azarenka never looked in doubt.
Azarenka has also equalled the record for fewest games dropped by a women's singles champion in Brisbane, which was set by Serena Williams, who lost only 17 games on her way to the 2013 title.
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