Victoria Azarenka added to her Indian Wells title by winning the Miami Open, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-2 in the final. After defeating Serena Williams in the final of Indian Wells, Azarenka went into Miami as one of the strong favourites, and when Williams endured a shock loss to Kuznetsova, Azarenka was indeed the favourite for the title.

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After a tough couple of years, former world number one had enjoyed a great start to 2016 winning Brisbane. However, after a quarter final exit at the Australian Open, many were wondering whether she could get back to winning at the big tournaments. Those doubts were erased with her win in Indian Wells and eviscerated today with her Miami trophy.

Breaks galore

The first set was a rollercoaster with just one hold of serve and for Azarenka it was fortunate that the hold of serve was for her with Kuznetsova dropping each of the five games that she served.

The second set saw more holds of serve as there was only two breaks. Again, Azarenka was the player to end out on top as she took both breaks of serve before serving the match and championship out at 5-2. 

Azarenka added to her Indian Wells title won last week (pic source | Sports Inquirer)

After wins against Johanna Konta and Angelique Kerber, Azarenka established herself as the favourite for the title and she will no doubt have her eyes set on reaching the top five and potentially being world number one by the end of the season. With minimal points to defend until the end of the year, it will be expected of the Belarusian to reach the year end championships.

Kuznetsova will of course be disappointed but will be encouraged at coming so close to reaching the top ten and will look forward to pushing on to reaching that goal.

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