The Australian Open 2012 Women's Singles Title: Queen Victoria Wins!

Photo: Pat Scala

Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) - Victoria Azarenka (No. 3 Belarus) crushed Maria Sharapova (No. 4 Russia) 6-3, 6-0 today to take the Aussie Open women's singles championship and the No. 1 world rank.

The 22 year old became the first player from Belarus to win a Grand Slam title and reach No. 1.

After some initial nerves in dropping the first 2 games, Azarenka dominated from the baseline, exploited her superior movement, and ended her opponent's hopes in 1 hour and 22 minutes.

"It's a dream come true," Azarenka exclaimed. "I'm proud of what I'm doing. I just want to keep going and keep raising that level."

Azarenka captured the hearts of her countrymen and women back home.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko awarded Azarenka the Order of the Motherland, proclaiming: "You are pride of the whole nation! [Y]our great achievement is already written into the history of Belarus and world sports."

Congrats, and well done!
Gary