• Australian Open, Day 13

What They Said

Victoria Azarenka enjoyed the moment after winning her first major title © PA Photos

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• Features: Azarenka tames her inner beast for major glory
  
• Profile: Victoria Azarenka | Maria Sharapova

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An emotional Victoria Azarenka paid tribute to her coach, support team, family and the crowd after winning her maiden grand slam with victory over Maria Sharapova.

"Thank you all of you for believing in me and because of you, now I can finally raise this trophy. Thanks to the crowd - you have been an inspiration and I can't wait to be back once again. I've loved coming back to Australia every year since I was a junior and I can't wait to be back next year. I have had an amazing month in Australia and it's a dream come true."

Maria Sharapova was gracious in defeat after she was beaten in straight sets by Victoria Azarenka. who claimed her first grand slam title.

"She did everything better than I did today. I had a good first couple of games, and that was about it. Then she was the one that was taking the first ball and hitting it deep and aggressive. I was always the one running around like a rabbit, trying to play catch up all the time. She was a step quicker. Her shot was bigger. First shot was bigger. Just not a good combination, I guess.

"It was just one of those days where maybe because I felt like I wasn't being aggressive enough and I knew that I have to be and I knew that I had to change that. There was no way I was going win the match if I was going let her dictate and be the one that's aggressive and, you know, go for the lines and change down the lines like she likes to do."

Speaking ahead of the men's final on Sunday, Rafael Nadal insists he is just happy to be playing and insisted Novak Djokovic remained the favourite to win a third consecutive grand slam.

"I am in the final of another grand slam, fourth in a row and I am happy for that. My opponent is the best player of the world today, so that's why I've played the last few finals against him. It will be always a really tough match for me. He is the favourite after being No. 1 in the world and after playing fantastic and beating me the last six times. So just happy to be there. Right now I going to try to play my best tennis and fight every ball knowing that is going to be a tough one."

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