• Hua Hin World Tennis Invitational

Azarenka edges Williams in Thailand exhibition

ESPN staff
December 29, 2013
LTA of Thailand president Suwat Liptapanlop presents Azarenka and Williams with their prizes © Getty Images
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Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams in straight sets in an exhibition match between the world's top two women's players.

The second-ranked Azarenka defeated world No. 1 Williams 7-5 6-3 in front of around 3,000 fans at the Hua Hin World Tennis Invitational in a match both players used as a warm-up ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 13.

Azarenka broke for a 6-5 lead in the first set and broke twice in the second for her second victory at the exhibition event after 2011.

Williams beat Azarenka in the US Open final this year.

"It was a good warm-up before Australia," Williams said. "Victoria is a strong player. It's always fun to play someone like her."

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