Williams clinches title in Madrid

MADRID - Agence France-Presse

AP photo

Serena Williams crushed world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-1, 6-3 yesterday to win the Madrid Masters and make a return to the number six ranking.

 The American has now won back-to-back WTA clay titles after claiming Charleston in the U.S. a month ago. “I’m so happy to win this title,” said Williams, who now owns five wins on the clay. “I really felt good on the court.” The bruising victory lifted the American to a 7-1 record over Azarenka, who won her only match in the series in Miami, 2009. Williams swept to a double-break in 12 minutes at the start, secured the set in 26 minutes on a double-fault and continued the demolition in the second set to complete the win in 64 minutes.

 Williams has now won 13 consecutive clay matches including the Fed Cup in April.

Azarenka maintained a positive attitude. “Serena played well and I didn’t today,” said the Belarusian. “She was so much better than me.

 “But I have to take the positives. These moments let you see what you can do better.”