The 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka thrashed world number one Serena Williams 6-3 6-1 in just 71 minutes to win the Sony Ericsson Open, her first top-tier triumph.

For Victoria this was the third title of the year, after wining the Brisbane (Australia) International in January and the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships at Memphis in February. She improved to 23-2 this year and the victory will elevate her to career-best number eight in the world when the new rankings are released on Monday.

"For me it was such an honor to play (Serena)," Azarenka said. "I am so happy to play against her and to beat her (and) I'm believing in myself more."

"I've improved almost everything since last year but most of all I am believing in myself a little more, believing I can win tournaments," she said.

Serena was clearly not 100 percent fit, she had strapping on her left thigh and struggled to move fluidly throughout the match but refused to use that as an excuse for her defeat.

"I'm not one to make excuses, I just want to give Victoria credit today, that's all I can say," she said at the award ceremony.

"I think she has really, really improved. I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better and obviously do better.

"But I think she obviously has potential and she's going to be a really good player."


(photo/Getty Images)

Victoria Azarenka beats Serena Williams to capture Miami title