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  Sun, April 29, 2012

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Sharapova routs Azarenka in Stuttgart final
By Sports Network


Russia's Maria Sharapova reacts after the women's singles final match against Belarus' Victoria Azarenke at the WTA tennis tournament in Stuttgart April 29, 2012. Sharapova won 6-1, 6-4. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

Stuttgart, Germany - Russian Maria Sharapova got her revenge against Belarusian Victoria Azarenka on Sunday in winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix event in a matchup between the top two ranked players in the world.

Sharapova, ranked second, fired eight aces and cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 triumph in less than 1 1/2 hours on the indoor red clay at Porsche Arena. It's the 25th career title for Sharapova, who has now captured at least one singles championship every year since 2003.

"I'm just happy. It's such a tough tournament," Sharapova said during the on- court trophy ceremony.

Sharapova was in the driver's seat during the final and also after wrapping up match point. Following the trophy ceremony, she was presented with a white Porsche 911 Carrera, not to mention the $115,000 first-place prize.

The big moment for Sharapova came in the second set when she broke serve for a 4-3 lead. Sharapova ended the ensuing game with an ace and capped the match when Azarenka sent a return long.

Azarenka, who won this year's Australian Open among her four 2012 titles, could never get on track against a player she dominated earlier this season. Azarenka gave up just three games to Sharapova in winning the title match at the Aussie Open and also won the final at Indian Wells in straight sets.

"I'm obviously not happy I lost in the final. It was still a good week for me," said Azarenka, who is 5-4 all-time against Sharapova.












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