Maria Sharapova ended her two match losing streak against the much fancied World No.1 Victoria Azarenka in Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 6-1,6-4 to round off a superb display of tennis.
This was the first time this year that the Russian had gotten the upper hand over the Belarusian. Azarenka had already beaten her in the Australian Open final and then again at Indian Wells.
The World No.1 who has been brilliant all year looked a bit off-shade in yesterday's encounter and was also treated for a wrist injury at the start of the second set.
"In such a tough tournament with difficult opponents, it was a good week," Sharapova said in a courtside interview after capturing her 25th WTA title. "(Azarenka) was injured today, maybe she could not perform well but I am happy to be the champion here this year. I was going to use this event as a warm-up (to the French Open) so I did not come much earlier. Maybe I should continue doing it like that," said the 25-year-old.
The Russian looked hungry as she broke the World No.1 to love early on in the first set, and then arrowed twp consecutive aces to take the lead.
The former Wimbledon winner then broke Azarenka again to take the first set in dominating fashion.
Sharapova secured the prize money and a luxury sports car with her first match point.
"Obviously I am not happy, but congratulations to Maria," said the 22-year-old Azarenka, who has reached the final in every event she has entered this year. "Still it was a good week for me."