MIAMI, April 2, 2016
Victoria Azarenka is the 2016 champion of the Miami Open presented by Itaú, winning Saturday’s final against Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-2.
The world number eight from Belarus won 65% of her first service points and converted seven of her 12 break point chances to seal victory in one hour and 17 minutes.
Azarenka, who defeated Serena Williams in the Indian Wells final 14 days ago, has become the only third woman to complete a Key Biscayne-Indian Wells-double. Steffi Graf did it in 1994 and 1996, as well as Kim Clijsters in 2005. The 26-year-old will return to the top five in the WTA rankings on Monday.
“I want congratulate Sveta for the great result,” Azarenka said. “I know you’ve had a lot of ups and downs in your career and I’m so happy to see you again in top form producing some great tennis.”
The Belarusian also had an emotional dedication for her 20th career title.
“I want to dedicate this win to my family, for my parents, who I don’t see very often but my parents taught me some really great things. They gave me roots so I always know where I come from and they gave me wings so I can fly, so I can be here. Thank you so much.”
Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut (photo: Miami Open)
In the men’s doubles final French duo Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut captured the title, winning 5-7, 6-1, 10-7 over Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram in one hour and 28 minutes. The Frenchmen captured the sunshine double after claiming their maiden ATP Masters title in Indian Wells two weeks ago. The team will move to second position in the ATP rankings.
“First of all, I think we’re quite tired because we played a lot in one month. Between singles and doubles, it’s been a lot of matches, but it feels great. We’re quite happy to win again and we’re going to enjoy it tonight with dinner and a glass of red wine because we’re French,” Herbert said.
“It’s a great achievement. Indian Wells was our first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title and to win another the week after it, we couldn’t have thought about doing that before. It’s great,” Mahut added.
